Living back, my heart is still at sea
During fishing at sea, fishing vessel QNa-90859-TS (Da Nang) carrying 51 crew members encountered an accident at noon on August 25. At this time, the sky suddenly turned windy, damaging some parts on the deck, causing the ship to sway, then gradually sink.
In just about 10 minutes, the ship disappeared in the middle of the sea. The fishermen shouted to each other, picking up each floating item, forming rafts, tying buoy ropes to cling to and cling to life.
The meager amount of fresh water scooped up at sea was only enough for them to share and hold on for the first 2 days. On the 3rd day, their throats began to dry out, their lips cracked, and many people became weak.
To prolong their lives, they shared each sip of urine. Some people could not urinate because their bodies were dry. When their strength gradually dried up, many people let go, accepting fate.
On the buoys, the white, swollen hands after many days of soaking in seawater gradually thinned out. They were close to each other but no longer had the strength to hold onto their friends, only knowing how to watch each person drift far towards the sea.
By the morning of the 4th day, the remaining people almost had no hope left. They told each other, if by the afternoon there is still no ship to rescue, then... we have to accept it.
Then a miracle came. Fishing boat BD-98960-TS, captained by Nguyen Van Huu, promptly rescued 30 people before they let go. Captain Huu continued to mobilize fishing boat BD-98848-TS operating nearby, rescuing 2 more fishermen. The remaining 19 people are still missing to this day.
They survived and returned, but many crew members remained at sea, life or death unknown. The lucky survivors still earnestly hoped that their crew members would also encounter a miracle, return safely, so that they could meet again.
The obsession of survivors
When they met captain Nguyen Van Huu (born 1986, residing in Hoai Nhon ward, Gia Lai) again after the sea rescue, the lucky survivors and their relatives could not hold back their tears.
Holding hands with Captain Huu, fisherman Nguyen Ninh (born 1977, residing in Hoai Nhon Dong ward; crew member of the distressed fishing vessel QNa-90859-TS) emotionally thanked the person who saved him. The handshake, tears replaced many words to say after days that seemed hopeless in the sea.
When the ship sank, I and 12 other brothers swam on the same buoy. But waiting for the ship to come to rescue, there were only 9 people left. Luckily, Mr. Huu arrived early, a few more hours late, perhaps the brothers were no longer there," fisherman Ninh recounted.
Fisherman Bui Gap (born 1989, residing in Hoai Nhon Dong ward; crew member of the distressed fishing boat QNa-90859-TS) still cannot forget the scene of many crew members leaving in the middle of the sea one by one.
On the night of the 3rd day, the strength of the brothers was exhausted. Hungry, cold, thirsty, 14 brothers let go. I and some others tried to get to the next morning. At this time, life was too fragile, almost no hope left. Only when Mr. Huu's ship came to rescue, did I know I was still alive," Mr. Gap recalled.
Returning to the mainland, fisherman Truong Van Dan (born 1982, residing in Hoai Nhon Dong ward; crew member of the distressed fishing vessel QNa-90859-TS) is still haunted by the smiles of his crew members before letting go to the sea.
I can't try anymore, many brothers are no longer sober. My mouth is always smiling, saying I'm going home to my wife and children, home to my family, and then let go," Mr. Dan choked up.
Chatting with the fishermen he rescued, Captain Huu also could not hide his emotion.
Hearing the news that too many people were in distress, at that time I just thought about how to regain life for the brothers, because as long as there are people, there is everything. Lost property can be rebuilt. We are happy that you are still alive!", Captain Huu shared.
Rewarding 2 fishing boats for rescuing 32 fishermen
On the afternoon of September 14, at Tam Quan Nam Border Guard Station, Hoai Nhon ward and Hoai Nhon Dong ward authorities commended and rewarded collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements in searching and rescuing 32 fishermen on fishing vessel QNa-90859TS.
At the meeting, local authorities praised the captains and crew members of 2 fishing boats BD-98960TS and BD-98848TS for their courageous spirit, regardless of danger, actively searching and rescuing fishermen in distress.
Chairman of Nui Thanh Commune People's Committee (Da Nang City) also presented Certificates of Merit unexpectedly to 2 fishing boats participating in rescuing fishermen on fishing boat QNa-90859-TS.
