Barry Mattacott, a 63-year-old British biker visiting Vietnam, became stranded in a remote jungle after following directions from Google Maps on October 3rd while traveling from Quy Nhon to Da Nang. Lost and injured near Dang Thuy Commune in Quang Ngai Province, he was eventually rescued by local villagers who alerted the police. Lieutenant Colonel Phan Tien Dung and Captain Pham Trung Tien then escorted him back to civilization after fixing his bike, an experience Mattacott described as exceptionally positive compared to previous encounters with law enforcement elsewhere.
Written locally by qwen2.5:14b on 2026-10-06,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
Barry Mattacott, a 63-year-old British biker, was rescued from a remote jungle area in the Dang Thuy Commune of Quang Ngai Province, central Vietnam, on October 3 after following directions from Google Maps. Mattacott had set out at midday to travel an approximate distance of 300km (186 miles) by motorcycle from Quy Nhon to Da Nang. However, he ended up taking a dirt road that led through mountainous forests and steep slopes, eventually losing control due to a punctured tire. For over two hours, Mattacott pushed his heavy Kawasaki W650 bike without encountering any help until local villagers spotted him at around 2:30 PM in Con Doc village. The villagers contacted the local police who arrived in a specialized vehicle and successfully rescued both Mattacott and his motorcycle. This incident highlights the potential dangers of relying solely on digital navigation systems for travel, especially in unfamiliar or remote areas, as similar issues have previously affected tourists from Canada, China, South Korea, and the US due to inaccurate Google Maps directions.
Written for “Vietnamese Jungle Rescue” on 2026-10-06,
grounded in this article and the 0 other(s) covering the same event.
A British biker was rescued from the depths of the jungle in Vietnam after being directed through remote paths by Google Maps.
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biker → rescue → Maps
Barry Mattacott, 63, found himself winding further away from civilisation in the Dang Thuy Commune in Quang Ngai Province, central Vietnam, on Saturday, October 3.
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himself → find → Saturday
Following his electronic guide, the marketing specialist took off on his Kawasaki W650 at midday for the around 300km (186 miles) journey from Quy Nhon to Da Nang.
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specialist → follow → Nang
But he soon found himself on a dirt road riding through the mountainous forest – and riding up steep slopes, clambering over rocks and wading through water-filled ruts.
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he → find → ruts
The British national soon lost control of his bike and, with a punctured tyre, became stranded alone in the mountains.
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national → lose → mountains
He was then forced to push his heavy bike for more than two hours, as he failed to pass another soul who could help.
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who → force → soul
Yet, Mr Mattacott's luck turned.
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luck → turn → ?
As locals spotted the marooned, exhausted man beside the muddy track at around 2.30pm in the Con Doc village - and saved him.
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locals → spot → him
The group contacted the local police at 3pm, who arrived in a specialised vehicle, to rescue him and his bike.
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who → contact → him
Mr Mattacott found himself on a dirt road riding through the mountainous forest
Footage shows the dehydrated Brit accepting water before officers loaded his motorcycle onto their vehicle and saved him from his off-track, perilous voyage.
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officers → find → voyage
The group had to drive nearly 20km (12 miles) before they were able to find a suitable repair shop to fix Mr Mattacott's bike – ultimately saved by the mechanic Thuan in the Doc Pho area.
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they → have → area
Despite repair works taking until 8pm, the mechanic and officers both refused the Brit's payment.
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mechanic → take → payment
Police then escorted Mr Mattacott back to the main road, where he could safely continue his journey.
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he → escort → journey
The Brit later thanked the officers, named as Lieutenant Colonel Phan Tien Dung, head of Dang Thuy Tram Commune Police, and Captain Pham Trung Tien.
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Brit → thank → Police
He wrote in a letter: 'Some kind local people called the police to help me.
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people → write → me
I don't think I would have been treated so well in any other country I have been to.'
Mr Mattacott's misfortunes came despite being a seasoned traveller, having been to 34 countries, and having visited Vietnam for the first time seven years ago.
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misfortunes → think → time
Officers loaded Mr Mattacott's motorcycle onto their vehicle and saved him from his off-track, perilous voyage
The British national lost control of his bike and, which caused him to puncture his trye
Having declared several dealings with police officers during his life, he said his encounter with the two Vietnamese officers was the best experience he had ever had with law enforcement.
The same mountain route has previously caused problems for tourists from Canada, China, South Korea and the US under the guiding hand of Google Maps.
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route → load → Maps
Police have warned visitors unfamiliar with the area to avoid the road, particularly during the rainy season when mud, landslides and road closures can make it even more treacherous.
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it → warn → season
It is not the first time Google Maps has caused havoc.
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Maps → cause → havoc
Wiktoria shared a video of the mishap on Instagram, with the caption: 'When Google Maps says go straight... but you're in Venice'.
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you → share → Venice
She posted footage of herself following the steps down into the canal, where she fell into the water.
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she → post → water
Wiktoria added: 'Be careful,' as she wiped herself clean – and showed cuts and scrapes on her legs from the fall.
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she → add → fall
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