Tran Van Khoi (L) receives the International Maritime Organization’s Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea. (Photo courtesy of Regional Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center No.2 in Da Nang city)

In 2021, Tran Van Khoi received the International Maritime Organization’s Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea for braving heavy rains, strong winds, and rough seas in October, 2020, to rescue 4 people from a sinking cargo vessel named VIETSHIP 01.

Surpassing 36 other nominees, Khoi became the first Vietnamese citizen to receive the award.

In the VIETSHIP 01 incident in Quang Tri province, after several previous rescue attempts failed because of the severe weather caused by a typhoon, Khoi made three attempts to swim to the victims through raging waves before he finally succeeded.

“At that time, there was a thin line between life and death. But my colleagues and I did not think about ourselves. Rescuing the victims was our top priority,” he said.

Khoi has worked for Regional Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center No.2 since 2005. He and his colleagues are on alert around the clock to deal with emergencies.

“The VIETSHIP 01 rescue was difficult, but we have faced many more difficult situations. I remember steering two sinking vessels to shore through strong waves and wind. It took us 12 hours to steer the vessels a distance of 40 nautical miles. We needed to be quick but also careful as a small mistake could have resulted in disaster,” said Khoi.

His many years of rescue work have given Khoi little time for his family. He has missed many Lunar New Year family gatherings to be on duty. Khoi’s wife Nguyen Van Anh has sympathized with and supported her husband for more than 20 years.

“My husband works far from home, so I take care of the family. I often tell the children that, though their father is not here, they can be proud of him and his work,” said Van Anh.

Khoi’s courage and selfless commitment to has made him a role model for rescue workers in the central region of Vietnam.