A 45-year-old man in Ha Tinh Province has survived after being swept nearly 7km from shore and spending about 10 hours at sea before making his way back to land.
Thanh is fortunate to survive and return home (Photo: Nghi Xuan).
Hoang Van Ha, deputy chairman of the People's Committee of Co Dam Commune, said on the evening of August 15 that Nguyen Van Thanh, a local resident, had survived after being carried offshore by strong waves.
At about 2 am that day, Thanh, who lives in Cuong Gian Village, went to the Dan Hai coastal area to collect clams.
At about 6 am, after bringing his catch ashore, he returned to the sea to continue working.
As the tide rose, strong waves suddenly swept him out to sea. Despite trying to swim back, he was unable to overcome the current and was carried nearly 7km from the shore.
“While swimming, Thanh saw several fishing boats in the distance and tried to call for help, but no one heard him,” Ha said.
Unable to find assistance, Thanh continued swimming for several hours. At about 4 pm, he finally reached the coastline of Dan Hai Commune.
He was severely dehydrated and exhausted when he reached shore. Local residents found him, gave him water and helped him rest and recover. His condition later stabilised and he returned home.
According to local authorities, residents had earlier found Thanh's motorbike and clam-collecting equipment in the water and alerted authorities. Emergency teams then conducted a search for several hours.
Thanh is married with two children and earns a living by collecting clams to support his family.
After learning that he had survived, officials from Co Dam Commune visited Thanh and his family to offer support and encouragement.