Mie, Japan – Two Vietnamese nationals are being commended by local authorities after courageously rescuing two Japanese children who were swept away by strong waves off Gotenba Beach in Mie Prefecture.
At around 1 p.m. on August 11, the children, seated on an inflatable float near the shore, were suddenly carried nearly 100 meters out to sea and drifted about 700 meters along the coast, according to HONTO, a Vietnamese media outlet in Japan.
A group of 15 Vietnamese friends on the beach heard the children’s cries for help. Strong winds and a rapidly receding tide were pushing the float farther away, raising fears it could overturn at any moment.
A race against the waves
Phạm Quốc Đạt, 27, and Tống Mạnh Tuấn, 28, immediately swam out to save the children. Their first attempt failed due to the distance and rough waves, forcing them back to shore.
The men then ran along the beach to get closer to the children’s position, grabbed a bicycle-tire float from their group, and made a second attempt despite Tuấn suffering leg cramps.
Meanwhile, other Vietnamese onshore called the police and urged nearby beachgoers to assist. The children’s mother and grandmother, both unable to swim, stood on the beach in panic, pleading for help.
Successful rescue and recognition
After battling strong waves and high winds, Đạt and Tuấn managed to bring the children safely back to shore. Local police and emergency services arrived about 10 minutes later. The stretch of beach where the incident occurred has no on-duty lifeguards.
The Naka Fire Department in Tsu City has confirmed that Đạt and Tuấn will be honored with certificates of commendation on August 28 for their bravery in saving the children’s lives.
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Source: Vietnam Insider