British biker has to be rescued from remote Vietnamese jungle after following Google Maps

Published: 10:52 EDT, 6 October 2026 | Updated: 11:02 EDT, 6 October 2026 A British biker was rescued from the depths of the jungle in Vietnam after being directed through remote paths by Google 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. 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.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. The British national soon lost control of his bike and, with a punctured tyre, became stranded alone in the 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. Yet, Mr Mattacott's luck turned. As locals spotted the marooned, exhausted man beside the muddy track at around 2.30pm in the Con Doc village - and saved him. The group contacted the local police at 3pm, who arrived in a specialised vehicle, to rescue him and his bike. Barry Mattacott pictured with his saviours Lieutenant Colonel Phan Tien Dung (right) and Captain Pham Trung Tien (left) Mr Mattacott found himself on a dirt road riding through the mountainous forestFootage shows the dehydrated Brit accepting water before officers loaded his motorcycle onto their vehicle and saved him from his off-track, perilous 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. Despite repair works taking until 8pm, the mechanic and officers both refused the Brit's payment. Police then escorted Mr Mattacott back to the main road, where he could safely continue his 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. He wrote in a letter: 'Some kind local people called the police to help me. The police were so friendly and helpful.'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. 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 tryeHaving 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.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.It is not the first time Google Maps has caused havoc. In October 2025, the Polish tourist Wiktoria Guzenda put too much faith in the app while navigating the streets of Venice – and found herself falling into the canal.Wiktoria shared a video of the mishap on Instagram, with the caption: 'When Google Maps says go straight... but you're in Venice'.She posted footage of herself following the steps down into the canal, where she fell into the water.Wiktoria added: 'Be careful,' as she wiped herself clean – and showed cuts and scrapes on her legs from the fall.