Met the man who swam into the floodwaters to save a young man trapped for 9 days

Mr. Duong Van Khiem (44 years old, residing in Dak Djrang commune, Mang Yang district) said that on the afternoon of September 24, he and his relatives were taking care of a coffee garden in Dak Djrang commune when they received a phone call from Dak Djrang commune police asking for help rescuing a young man trapped on the Ayun river.

Because his house was near the scene, Mr. Khiem immediately ran out.

Despite the turbulent flow of the Ayun River, Mr. Khiem still ignored the danger, took a rope and life jacket, and swam in the middle of the water to find a way to approach and rescue the trapped young man.

Mr. Duong Van Khiem at the river where he swam out to save a young man who had been trapped for many days (Photo: Chi Anh).

When he met the victim (later identified as Phan Minh Thang, 20 years old, residing in Kdang commune, Dak Doa district), Mr. Khiem encouraged him and quickly checked his health. Realizing that Thang still had the strength to cross the river, Mr. Khiem put on a life jacket for the victim, tied a rope around his body and brought him to shore.

"I was trained in swimming skills when I was doing military service in the Gia Lai province border guards. After leaving the army, I often fished in the river so I have experience," Khiem shared.

According to Mr. Khiem, the Ayun River is wide, the water flows fast, and the flood season often brings water in quickly. Over the years, Mr. Khiem often goes fishing and has saved many people who were swept away or trapped on their way home from the fields.

Hearing the news that Thang was rescued after many days of unknown whereabouts, the family could not help but burst into happiness. The victim's family also expressed gratitude to Mr. Khiem and the Mang Yang district authorities for risking their lives to rescue Thang safely.

Thang is gradually recovering after many days without food, only drinking river water to survive (Photo: Pham Hoang).

Mr. Nguyen Trung Hieu (Thang's brother-in-law) shared that before that, the family had searched everywhere for Thang but could not find him.

"After hearing his story, his family was surprised by his strong will and ability to withstand the harsh weather when he was trapped in the floodwaters. Recently, his family wrote a letter of thanks to the authorities and some people who successfully rescued Thang," said Mr. Hieu.

Speaking to Dan Tri reporter, Mr. Bui Van Son, Director of Mang Yang District Medical Center, said: "Thang's health is now stable, he can walk and eat normally. The center advised Thang to stay and recuperate, but his family asked him to go home. Thang has recovered but still has a severe sore throat and ulcers on both feet due to being stuck in the middle of the river for a long time."

After Thang was discharged from the hospital and returned home, the Kdang commune government (Dak Doa district) visited and encouraged this young man.

According to local government representatives, Thang's situation was difficult because his mother died early of cancer, and Thang lived with his cousin.

Earlier on the afternoon of September 24, the Dak Djrang Commune Police, Mang Yang District, Gia Lai Province, coordinated with local people to successfully rescue a person who was swept away by floodwaters and trapped for 9 days in the middle of the Ayun River. During this time, Thang only drank river water to survive.

It is known that on the morning of September 16, Thang stopped by to watch other people fishing on a sandbank in the middle of the Ayun River on his way to work. Afterwards, the young man fell asleep and the fishermen left without him knowing.

When Thang woke up, he saw the river water surrounding the sandbar. At night, the river water rose, flooded the sandbar and swept Thang away. The victim went downstream and grabbed a bush in the middle of the river, clinging to the treetop for 9 days.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/xa-hoi/gap-nguoi-boi-ra-giua-dong-lu-du-cuu-thanh-nien-mac-ket-suot-9-ngay-20240929160212364.htm