Truong Van Chung, a fisherman from Hai Trong Hamlet, Tay Yen Commune, An Giang Province, southern Vietnam says he will no longer go to sea and will stay home to support his two children through school. Photo: Chi Cong / Tuoi Tre
On Wednesday morning, local authorities and residents in Tay Yen Commune visited fisherman Chung, a resident of Hai Trong Hamlet, who was rescued after drifting at sea for 96 hours and safely returned home.
Leave fishing behind to focus on children
The small, aging house where Chung has lived for years was unusually lively, filled with the sounds of conversation and laughter.
His two sons, Truong Van Thach, 14, and Truong Van Thien, 8, happily and eagerly prepared drinks for the visitors.
Chung's weathered face also showed his joy at having returned home.
"I arrived home at around 11:00 pm on Tuesday. It was so late that Thach and Thien were already asleep," Chung recalled as he sat beside his sons.
"Seeing my two sons sleeping peacefully made me happy. I feel like I have been given a second chance at life and have been able to return to my family."
After more than 20 years at sea, this was the first major and life-changing ordeal Chung had faced.
The experience has convinced him to give up fishing and stay home to support his two sons through school.
Local authorities in Tay Yen Commune visit the family of fisherman Truong Van Chung and present them with gifts. Photo: Chi Cong / Tuoi Tre
"When I fell into the sea, I kept thinking about my two children," Chung recalled.
"They gave me the strength to stay alive.
"I will not go to sea again. I will stay home and take on whatever work I can to earn money and support my children's education.
"I don't want them to have to struggle at sea as I did.
Thach said that when his father came home, he and Thien felt truly happy.
"I'm even happier that people are helping me return to school," Thach said.
"Dad also wants me to keep studying. I'll do my best so that one day I can take care of him."
Funds, school supplies, clothes to help children return to school
Do Thi Cam Tu, deputy chairwoman of the People's Committee of Tay Yen Commune in An Giang Province, said the local authority had sent a delegation to visit Truong Van Chung, offer encouragement, and check on his health.
Chung's health is now stable, Tu said.
According to Tu, local authorities, relevant organizations, and residents have provided the family with about VND15 million (US$573) in initial support.
Local associations and donors have also given his children school bags, books, and clothes to help them return to school.
Truong Van Chung is reunited with his two sons and family. Photo: Chi Cong / Tuoi Tre
"Thach dropped out of school after sixth grade," Tu said.
"This year, we will do everything possible to help him return to school.
"Tay Yen Commune will work with relevant agencies to learn more about Chung's accident and determine how we can support the family going forward."
96 hours adrift at sea
On August 12, Chung fell from a fishing boat and was swept away at sea.
He drifted for four days, or 96 hours, before being rescued by Naval Ship 743, under Naval Brigade 129.
He was found in a weakened and exhausted condition.
The crew provided initial care and safely brought him ashore on Tuesday, allowing him to return home and be reunited with his family.
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