The Tsu City Fire Department in Mie prefecture held a ceremony on 22/8 to honor two Vietnamese men, 27-year-old Pham Quoc Dat and 28-year-old Tong Manh Tuan.
On 11/8, Dat and Tuan were with friends at Akogiura beach in Mie prefecture when they noticed two Japanese children on a float being carried nearly 100 meters offshore by strong currents.
Dat and Tuan immediately swam out to the struggling children and, after battling strong waves and winds, brought them safely back to shore.
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Pham Quoc Dat (right) and Tong Manh Tuan receive certificates of commendation at the Tsu City Fire Department in Mie prefecture on 22/8. Photo: Kyodo |
Pham Quoc Dat (right) and Tong Manh Tuan receive certificates of commendation at the Tsu City Fire Department in Mie prefecture on 22/8. Photo: Kyodo
The men's bravery was quickly recognized by Japanese officials and citizens.
"Dat and Tuan acted quickly and bravely in a dangerous situation, preventing a potential tragedy. If they hadn't intervened, the outcome could have been very different," said Katsuda Takanori, captain of the Naka fire brigade, who arrived at the scene shortly after the rescue.
"We sincerely thank these two men. Their courageous act saved two lives and brought immense relief to the children’s families. The families are deeply grateful. You are a wonderful bridge between Vietnam and Japan," said Takumi Ino, director of the Tsu City Fire Department.
The commendation ceremony for Tuan and Dat at the Tsu City Fire Department in Mie prefecture on 22/8. Video: VTV
Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu also attended the ceremony, presenting certificates and expressing pride in the two men's actions.
"When I heard the children crying, I knew I had to act. Nothing was more important than saving them. I felt relieved and happy when we brought them safely ashore," Dat recounted.
"The current was strong, and the waves were powerful. There were moments I wasn't sure we'd make it back. Luckily, we are experienced swimmers, and our friends on the beach were shouting encouragement and support. Seeing the children back in their parents' arms was incredibly rewarding. It's what anyone would have done," Tuan shared.
Duc Trung
