On 16/9, around 11h30, Nguyen Van Cao, 37, a coffee shop owner in Ban hamlet, Chau Tien commune, heard cries for help behind his house, indicating someone was caught in the water. Upon investigation, he saw a woman struggling in the middle of the Hieu River, about 10 m from the bank. He told his family to alert the commune police and then took his motorbike, driving along the riverside road past National Highway 48 to get ahead of the current.

Video shows the 72-year-old woman struggling in the Hieu River, Chau Tien commune, on the afternoon of 16/9. *Source: Provided by interviewee*

After driving about 500 m to a river bend, Cao left his motorbike on the bank and plunged into the water. The river was high, flowing strongly, and filled with whirlpools. Unable to find the woman in the middle of the river, he returned to the bank. He then borrowed a car tire, brought by Tran Van Xuan, to use as a float before continuing his search.

When Cao reached the victim, she was exhausted and had swallowed a significant amount of water. He held onto the car tire with one hand and the victim with the other, swimming towards the bank. Approximately 10 m from shore, Xuan threw a rope, pulling both of them to safety.

The entire rescue operation took about 10 minutes.

"The swift current and whirlpools drained much of my strength; by the time I reached the bank, I was nearly exhausted. I am a strong swimmer, so at that moment, I focused solely on predicting the current to save the person", Cao said.

The rescued woman was Nguyen Thi Thuy, 72, also from Ban hamlet. Thuy stated she slipped and fell into the river while returning home from work, then was swept away by floodwaters.

After receiving immediate first aid upon reaching shore, her condition stabilized.

Nguyen Tien Hung, Chairman of Chau Tien commune, noted that the Hieu River's water level has been high and flowing swiftly recently, making rescue attempts very dangerous. "Cao's brave and timely action prevented a tragic outcome", Hung said.

On the morning of 17/9, the Chau Tien Commune People's Committee (UBND) awarded Nguyen Van Cao and the Chau Tien Commune Police for their outstanding search and rescue efforts in the area.

Representatives from the Ban Hamlet Management Board, Chau Tien commune, visited Nguyen Van Cao (second from left) on 17/9, following his rescue. *Photo: Provided by interviewee*

Quynh Nguyen