Man who drifted for 13 hours while SUPing at sea forms free rescue team

Tung and his son were rescued after 13 hours adrift at sea on July 31st - Photo: TAM PHAM

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tung, 35 years old, residing in Truong Vinh ward, Nghe An province , is the founder of the "Tung Time" rescue team and is also one of the volunteer groups supporting the search for victims in the incident where a father jumped off the Ben Thuy bridge with his two daughters.

From victim to rescuer

Tung's story moved many people even more when they learned that three months earlier, he himself had struggled amidst rough waves with his 6-year-old daughter when the two were swept away by the waves while enjoying a stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) game at sea.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre Online on the morning of October 17th, Mr. Tung recounted that on July 30th, while swimming at Xuan Thanh tourist area in Tien Dien commune, Ha Tinh province, he and his son were swept away by the waves and went missing. Amidst the cold and fear, he even contemplated suicide.

"My father and I wore life jackets and clung tightly to the SUP amidst the waves. At night, we saw a distant light, and I tried to swim after it, but the waves were too big, and I was exhausted. It wasn't until the next morning that we saw the cargo ship and waved for help," Tùng recalled.

After nearly 13 hours adrift at sea, he and his son were spotted and rescued by a cargo ship. After that ordeal, Tung knew he owed life a debt of gratitude he could never repay.

"I don't know how to thank those who saved my father and me enough. I just think, if I was ever saved, then I should do something meaningful for those who are less fortunate than me," he shared.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tung speaks with Tuoi Tre Online on the morning of October 17 - Photo: DOAN HOA

Based on that promise, Mr. Tung, along with Ms. Tran Thi Kim Dung - a resident of Thanh Vinh ward, Nghe An province, who is involved in many charitable activities in Nghe An - pooled about 50 million VND to buy a speedboat and rescue equipment.

He called upon 10 friends, each with a different profession, but united by a common heart, to form the Tùng Time free rescue team with a simple motto: "Giving is forever. Everything will pass - only human kindness remains."

To cover his operating costs, he sells coffee during the day and drives for others at night.

Having experienced a life-or-death situation himself, Tùng shared that he understands the feeling of despair when no one hears your cries for help. Therefore, he cannot stand idly by when someone else is in a similar predicament.

Every act of saving a life is an opportunity to "give back to life."

Whether day or night, whenever someone needs help, Tùng's team sets off.

Less than a month after its establishment, the Tung Time rescue team was present in the flood-affected area following Typhoon No. 10, participating in the rescue of missing persons in Ha Tinh ...

Perhaps the most heartbreaking moment, one that he and the entire team could never stop grieving over, was the incident on October 13th when a man, holding his two young daughters, jumped off the Ben Thuy bridge, plunging into the fast-flowing Lam River.

He recounted how everyone was heartbroken to see the mother and grandmother collapsing in tears on the banks of the swirling Lam River: "When we heard the news, we wanted to get there as quickly as possible, hoping to save them in time. Everyone was hoping for even the smallest miracle, but…", he fell silent.

The Tung Time rescue team participates in the search for missing victims on the Lam River - Photo: HOANG VU

"My teammates and I are all providing support free of charge, with the sincere desire to share and help families who have unfortunately faced hardship. Everything will pass, but human kindness will remain, and I want to contribute a small part to preserving that," Tùng confided.

On social media, many people expressed their admiration for what Tùng's group did.

"I believe his actions stemmed from deep emotion and profound gratitude for saving the father and son from certain death. It was also a feeling of not wanting anyone else to experience the horrors they went through. A noble gesture!" commented Thu Trang.

Phuong Nga shared: "After reading Tung's story, I was truly moved and admired him. Not everyone who has escaped the clutches of death has the courage and compassion to return and help others like him. I hope there will be more people like him, so that human kindness will always be kept warm in this world."

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nguoi-tung-troi-dat-13-tieng-khi-cheo-sup-tren-bien-lap-doi-cuu-nan-mien-phi-20251017101156974.htm