Captain Duong Tai Duc reported that the fisherman was spotted approximately 100 meters from the ferry amidst challenging weather conditions, including heavy cloud cover and strong waves. He and the crew decided to turn the ferry around, deploying a lifebuoy for the fisherman to cling to. They then used a ladder to pull him aboard.

The fisherman clings to the buoy and rope before being pulled aboard by crew members. Photo: Duong Dong

"He was very weak and had difficulty speaking. We warmed him up, cooked him some noodles, and offered him words of encouragement," Captain Duc said.

The rescued man, approximately 30 years old, explained that he was fishing from a small trawler when a wave knocked him overboard. He drifted for nearly six hours. The crew contacted the fisherman's family, who were already searching for him.

Upon arrival at Rach Gia port, the fisherman was taken to the border patrol station for medical attention and to await his family.

Ngoc Tai