Last Friday, 3 officers from Da Nang Port's border gate guard station saved a Clipper Race crew member from drowning in the cold waters of the Han River.  The officers are Capt Nguyen Chi Thanh, Lt Col Le Lai, and Sub-lieutenant Hoang Van Son.

At 9pm, the officers were on patrol duty on the Han River when they heard a cry for help near the anchorage area of the Clipper Race boats.  They saw a woman in the river waters waving her hands for attention and immediately rushed into the water to rescue the victim despite the dark night, cold weather and strong winds at the time. 

Mrs Ann Adams (middle) and 2 of her rescuers

The woman was 71-year-old Ann Adams, a British crew member on the Ichorcoal yacht.  She had fallen into the water whilst stepping onto her boat carrying some heavy baggage.  After the incident, Ms Adams wrote a letter to thank her rescuers for their bravery.

The Head of the municipal Border Guard, Col Le Van Phuc, said “The border guard officers and men have made every effort to ensure the security and safety of both visitors and crew members during the Clipper Race fleet's stay in the city.  This has left a deep impression on them all and made Da Nang a safe and friendly city”.