Hearts hidden in the shadows

There is a volunteer group doing very special work, formed from very humane ideas. Simply by calling the hotline 0787771743, people can quickly receive assistance from the SOS Cau Cua Dai volunteer group in urgent situations, from traffic accidents and rescuing people with suicidal thoughts to repairing tires for stranded travelers…

In Hoi An, almost everyone wants to cross the Cua Dai Bridge at least once, given its incredibly picturesque location. Standing on the bridge and looking west, you can feel the magical beauty of the sunset over the Thu River; looking east, you can see a vast expanse of vibrant pink sunrise stretching across the sea. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, tragic fates have led many to choose this place as their final resting place. Witnessing these heartbreaking incidents and feeling the pain of those left behind, weeping endlessly day and night in the rain and wind while waiting on the bridge for the bodies of their loved ones, Nguyen Van Luan decided to discuss with two like-minded friends the formation of the SOS Cua Dai Bridge group. Luan and his friends' deepest wish is to support the search efforts for victims' families and prevent impulsive actions. On September 7, 2022, the group was officially established.

My heart can't let go.

Initially, the group consisted of only three members, all around 25 years old, primarily assisting in the search and rescue of victims alongside specialized rescue teams dealing with destitute or missing persons at sea. Later, as the group's humanitarian activities spread, many empathetic individuals joined, and the team has now grown to 20 members of various ages from different locations. With a larger team, they plan to take turns guarding the bridge at night to promptly detect individuals showing signs of impulsive behavior and intervene in time.

Since then, the team has been able to assist in more cases. The scope of assistance has also broadened, helping in a wide range of situations, from traffic accidents and emergency vehicle repairs anytime, anywhere, even at night or on the road, to cases of illness and hardship...

Luận and his brothers started up the old speedboat they had obtained to use in underwater search and rescue operations.

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR

However, initially, the lack of supporting equipment was a significant limitation in participating in underwater search and rescue operations. Therefore, upon learning that another team had a dilapidated, unused speedboat, the group took advantage of the opportunity to borrow it, purchase machinery and equipment, and refurbish it for use, making rescue efforts more timely and efficient.

When I asked him why he decided to form the group, team leader Luan confided: "I'm a native of Duy Hai, living near the bridge. When I heard that this bridge was being built, I was overjoyed because it's so beautiful. Yet someone chose it as the place to end their life. So I decided to form the group, and I received a lot of support and encouragement from my friends, colleagues, and associates. Importantly, we all share the same vision and clearly defined our spirit before joining the group: 'No salary. No worries about sun or rain. No holidays. No concept of day or night. And it's entirely voluntary.' Thanks to this clear definition of our criteria, our team has always maintained and expanded its activities. Although this work is not easy at all, there are people who love us and people who hate us, and sometimes we've been abused, which is very sad, but perhaps it's because of our 'calling' that even when we're tired, we can't give up."

Lost in thought, watching the calm water flow by, Luận slowly said, "In over two years of operation, the group has successfully assisted in the search and rescue of many victims. Each case is unique and leaves behind its own heartache. We've assisted in countless traffic accidents, salvage operations, and search and rescue efforts. Some cases resulted in safe reunions, while others involved tragic separations. And in some cases, the team had to ask the community for donations to help guide the victims through their final moments."

Joining forces with authorities to assist in the search for victims at Binh Minh beach.

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR

Sad events happen from time to time. In just a short period recently, the team's diary has been filled with indescribable sorrows: On the night of April 8, 2025, the team promptly discovered and saved a young person who had suicidal intentions at the foot of the bridge. At 2:30 PM on May 11, they received a recorded message from a woman reporting that an 11th-grade male student had messaged his family saying he was heading to Cua Dai Bridge to end his life. The team immediately dispatched someone to intervene in time. Fortunately, nothing bad happened.

On May 17, 2025, after receiving information from the family of a couple arguing and having negative intentions, the team promptly analyzed the situation and successfully intervened in a case of suicidal thoughts. At 2:23 AM on May 21, after receiving information from the family, the team promptly monitored and successfully prevented a case of suicide attempt at a bridge (this person had been dissuaded before). On the afternoon of May 23, 2025, from 3 PM to 5 PM, they successfully assisted in preventing two cases of negative intentions.

At 1:27 AM on May 27, 2025, as a sudden downpour of rain and strong winds hit, we received a distress message from a friend in Ho Chi Minh City. The friend was distraught and had messaged us with the intention of ending their life at Cua Dai Bridge. Based on the description, our team located and approached the person contemplating suicide while they were wandering along the bridge's walkway. Thanks to timely explanation and intervention, the team managed to guide the friend away from the bridge and stop their negative intentions.

On June 3rd, passersby reported two cases exhibiting strange behavior, prompting the team to assign members to intervene promptly. Fortunately, neither case resulted in any serious consequences. On the evening of June 4th, receiving a report of something unusual at the bridge, the entire team quickly mobilized and rescued a 36-year-old man from Phu Tho province, taking him to the hospital for emergency treatment. Before this case was resolved, another one arose: a man from Hoi An, heartbroken over a broken family, came to the bridge hoping for release. The team tried to dissuade him and called his family to take him home. They thought everything was settled, but unexpectedly, the man returned to the bridge the next day, forcing the team to stay up all night guarding him…

The value of life

Unexpected phone calls and strange messages kept ringing on the team's hotline. Regardless of the time of day or night, near or far, Luan and his team never shied away from difficulties, responding as promptly and efficiently as possible. Thanks to their efforts, many who received assistance realized the value of life and the bonds of kinship, and learned to appreciate their own lives more.

Nighttime tire repair support team for emergency situations.

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR

In addition, the team also receives many calls for assistance with tire repairs, which are equally urgent. Regardless of the time of day, weather, or holidays, as soon as they receive a call, the team heads out as quickly as possible to provide the most effective support. For those who are well-off, the team only charges for the cost of replacement parts and materials; for those in difficult circumstances, the service is completely free.

Then there are traffic accidents; as soon as they receive information, the team sets off to provide assistance. All of this stems from compassion, empathy, and a complete lack of self-interest. "For the team, the most valuable thing we want in return is a handshake. We only hope that life's uncertainties will lessen and that there will be no more impulsive decisions, so that everyone can live in peace," Luận shared.

There are many, many more silent contributions from the group that cannot be fully expressed within the confines of writing.

Goodbye, Luận. My heart is filled with an inexplicable, lump in my throat. I admire this simple young man with an incredibly compassionate heart. I deeply appreciate the quiet thoughts and actions that you and your team have dedicated and continue to dedicate.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhung-tam-long-tham-lang-trong-bong-dem-185250711172710024.htm