Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center Crew Honored at "Glory of Vietnam 2023" Program

On the evening of June 4, 2023, the 18th "Glory of Vietnam" program, themed "Vietnamese Willpower," took place at the Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Cultural Palace. The event honored 16 organizations and individuals who exemplified resilience, overcoming challenges to serve the country and the people. These honorees represent key figures driving socio-economic development in line with the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam's resolutions.

Second Officer Tran Van Khoi of SAR 412, a rescue vessel under the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (VMRCC), was honored at "Glory of Vietnam 2023" for his intelligence, bravery, and willingness to sacrifice and endure hardships in his work.

Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Xuan Sang attended the "Glory of Vietnam 2023" program alongside representatives from the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (VMRCC).

With over 15 years dedicated to maritime search and rescue, Tran Van Khoi is a role model among rescue crew members. He has consistently been on standby, assisting in maritime accidents and incidents, ensuring the safety of fishermen at sea. His notable missions include the search and rescue operations for the SU30-MK2 and CASA-212 aircraft in the Gulf of Tonkin in 2017, the rescue of crew members from multiple cargo ships that sank due to Typhoon DAMREY in Quy Nhon in 2017, as well as the rescue efforts for sunken vessels at Gianh Port, Quang Binh, and Vietship 01, which sank off Cua Viet, Quang Tri, in October 2020.

Mr. Pham Hoai Phuong, Member of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor and President of the Transport Trade Union of Vietnam, posing for a photo with Tran Van Khoi and other VMRCC officials.

In 2021, Tran Van Khoi became the first Vietnamese crew member in history to receive the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) "Exceptional Bravery at Sea" award. This prestigious recognition was granted for his heroic actions in rescuing crew members from the sunken Vietship 01 in Quang Tri amid the impact of Typhoon LINFA in October 2020. Under extremely hazardous conditions, including complex terrain, strong currents, and waves reaching 4-6 meters, Tran Van Khoi volunteered three times to approach Vietship 01 through various methods. His direct efforts resulted in the rescue of three survivors.

"The 'Exceptional Bravery at Sea' award is a prestigious IMO honor recognizing seafarers' extraordinary courage, resilience, and endurance in dangerous situations. This award once again brings international recognition to Vietnam's maritime sector," stated Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Xuan Sang.

Tran Van Khoi’s achievements have also been acknowledged with Certificates of Merit from the Minister of Transport in 2020 and 2022, as well as a Certificate of Merit from the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor in 2021.

Crew member Tran Van Khoi was honored at the Vietnam Glory program in 2023 for his intelligence, bravery, willingness to accept sacrifice, and not being afraid of difficulties at work.

According to Nguyen Dinh Khang, President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, the exemplary individuals honored at the "Glory of Vietnam" program serve as powerful sources of inspiration, encouraging workers and labor organizations across the country to engage in creative endeavors, promote patriotic movements, and contribute to the development and defense of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Following the themes "Vietnamese Aspiration" in 2021 and "Vietnamese Courage" in 2022, "Glory of Vietnam 2023" adopted the theme "Vietnamese Willpower" to celebrate the spirit of perseverance and the unwavering desire to contribute to society.

Individuals honored in the program

The program received numerous nominations from ministries, local authorities, and media agencies. Based on strict evaluation criteria and thorough assessments of actual achievements, the 2023 "Glory of Vietnam" program selected five exemplary organizations and 11 outstanding individuals. These honorees demonstrated exceptional determination, resilience, and self-reliance, inspiring society to overcome common challenges and strive for success./.