According to local authorities, the three victims - Phan Duy Quang (57), Le Van Sanh (37), and Duong Quang Cuong (44), a high-speed ferry staff member - were swept away by strong waves near the old port of Ly Son on November 6.

Hearing Cuong calling for help, Quang and his nephew Sanh immediately launched a small boat to rescue him. They managed to pull Cuong aboard, but the raging waves snapped the rope connecting the boat to the shore, carrying all three men far out into the stormy sea.

Despite efforts by the local border guard and residents to rescue them immediately, the approaching Typhoon Kalmaegi forced the search to halt by late afternoon on November 6.

Alone at sea, Quang struggled to survive. He recounted, “I tilted my face up to drink rainwater, and I caught small crabs and fish to eat to keep my strength and stay alive.” By night, Cuong and Sanh drifted out of sight, leaving Quang alone amid the massive waves.

After nearly 42 hours adrift, a miracle occurred. On the morning of November 8, the Vietnamese cargo ship Hai Nam 39, en route from Vinh Tan Port (Lam Dong province) to Son Duong Port (Ha Tinh province), rescued Quang, who was exhausted and about 100 km from Ly Son Island.

Quang, still alert, provided estimated positions of his companions and requested a rescue effort for them.

The passenger ship An Vinh Express immediately responded. By around 4:20 p.m., the ship rescued Le Van Sanh in the waters off Mo Duc – Duc Pho (Quang Ngai province). Meanwhile, Hoa Binh and other local fishing boats continued the search. At approximately 5:30 p.m., a Quang Binh fishing boat reported rescuing Duong Quang Cuong, about 12 km from where Sanh was saved.

That evening, when An Vinh Express brought Quang and Sanh to Ben Dinh Port of Ly Son Island, residents were already waiting, celebrating with tears and cheers.

“It is unbelievable that they survived in such violent seas. This truly is a miracle,” said Nguyen Van Huy, Chairman of the Ly Son Special Zone.

Both Quang and Sanh were under observation at the Military-Civilian Medical Centre, while Hoa Binh vessel was transporting Cuong back to the island.

“Surviving such strong waves and winds is a rare feat,” Huy added.

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