Brave rescuers in the midst of floodwaters.

Chairman of Hai Van Ward People's Committee Nguyen Thuc Dung (right) presents a certificate of commendation to Mr. Tran Dinh Chien for his achievement in rescuing 5 people in Truong Dinh residential area. Photo: KH

Mr. Chien's courageous and humane actions not only saved people in distress but also spread the spirit of chivalry, responsibility, and bravery in everyday life.

During the recent heavy rains, many roads and residential areas in Hai Van ward, especially Truong Dinh neighborhood, were deeply flooded. Despite this, some residents still braved the dangers to travel through the flooded areas, leading to unsafe situations. Amidst the raging floodwaters, Mr. Tran Dinh Chien's courageous act of rescuing people earned him widespread admiration.

Born and raised by the Truong Dinh River, Mr. Chien was familiar with water from a young age and was a skilled swimmer. As an adult, he dedicated himself to fishing on the river to support his four children's education. Although life was difficult, he was always well-liked by his neighbors for his honest, righteous nature and his willingness to help those in need.

Recalling the morning of October 28th, he recounted that around 4 a.m., while he was asleep, he heard desperate cries for help in the street. A woman going to work early had been swept away by floodwaters while crossing a section of road near his house. “I woke up, grabbed a flashlight, and rushed out. She was trapped in the strong current. I, along with a few neighbors, quickly rushed out to help her into a nearby house. If we had been even a split second slower, she would have been swept away into the Truong Dinh River,” Mr. Chien said.

But that wasn't all. At around 3:30 PM that same day, while Chiến was having lunch, he heard cries for help coming from the field in front of his house. Rushing out, he discovered four people (two men and two women) whose boat had capsized, clinging to an electric pole in the middle of the vast expanse of water.

Only one person was wearing a life jacket; the rest were panicking in the cold water. He quickly grabbed his boat, started the engine, and sped towards them. The boat was small, and the current was strong, so he had to skillfully maneuver it to reach the group in distress.

He prioritized rescuing the two women, bringing them to safety inside a house, then returned to approach the two exhausted men clinging to the utility pole. Thanks to Chiến's timely reaction, all four were brought to safety. "The water was flowing very fast at that time; if we had been a few minutes slower, they could have been swept away. I just thought I had to save them at all costs," Chiến recalled.

That day wasn't the first time Mr. Chien had rescued someone. He shared that, having worked as a fisherman on the Truong Dinh River for many years, he had rescued people in distress numerous times. In 2023, he rescued people twice from the flooded fields of Truong Dinh.

"If anyone were in that situation, they would prioritize saving lives above all else. Even knowing the danger, I couldn't stand by and watch people being swept away by the raging water. I'm not doing this for praise, but out of compassion and a desire to help people in distress," Chiến shared.

Mr. Vo Van Thanh, head of the Truong Dinh neighborhood group, shared: “Mr. Chien is a kind and friendly person who often helps his neighbors. Every time there is heavy rain, he proactively checks and warns about areas prone to flooding, and is ready to assist when people are in trouble. Mr. Chien's chivalrous heart is truly admirable.”

In recognition of his courageous act, the People's Committee of Hai Van Ward awarded Mr. Tran Dinh Chien an extraordinary commendation.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/dung-cam-cuu-nguoi-giua-dong-nuoc-lu-3309007.html