I was 4 back in 1978. I left with my family of 12 people in total. Sadly, my dear father passed away on the journey. My mother is Phuong who is holding me in the photo.
I still reside in London, UK - and I'm a mother to 4 beautiful children. Most of my extended family have emigrated to Orange County, California and there are several cousins dotted around in Europe. We have been fortunate to qualify in our fields doctor, teacher, lawyer, transport planner etc.
The efforts to organise this reunion is commendable. However, I'm unable to attend but I'm sure the event will be a success and an emotional one too.
Reading the account of our boat trip & subsequent rescue has been inspiring. Firstly, for the bravery of our people who risked their lives to the perils of the sea. Secondly, for the humanitarian efforts of the Wellpark crew, the British government for granting us political asylum and the people who helped us settle into Kensington Barracks. To whom we all owe so much gratitude. Thirdly, it has been a closure for myself to verify what happened, (in regards to my father's death) when I was too young to comprehend yet still able to remember. Finally, our future generations can discover and appreciate how they came to live a western lifestyle and all the benefits that it entails.
I hope the last 30 years have been good to you all. That you have a zest for life which almost could have been extinguished on the treacherous waters. Also, that you have had the opportunity to do some charitable deeds yourself. "What goes round, comes round"
Welcome to the our site. Pls tell us more about yourself. How old were you in 1978? What are you doing now? Will you be attending our reunion? Post your picture up too. Chi
Ah yes, the ghostly figures. I remember asking if we were going to retrieve our luggage as I wanted a change of clothes. I was told that the boat had been cut loose with all our possessions still on it. I looked out to sea to try and spot it, and there they were - 2 figures, one standing up and the other sitting down. They seemed very relaxed like they were out on a cruise. I stared hard, thinking that if I as much as blink, they would disappear. I tried to get my uncle's attention, who was right next to me. No one else seemed to have noticed. I willed someone to look out in the same direction, and to see what I was seeing. Eventually, turned to try to get my uncle's attention and when I looked back, they were gone. I wanted to say something but then doubted myself - did I really see what I thought I saw?? Only years later, when my mum to me a story that other people on the boat had mentioned seeing ghostly figures, did I then say that I had seen them too.
I emailed to your personal email address a few weeks ago regarding Mike Newton sending you a message to add him as a friend on the site. I am not sure if you got it or not. Since you probably check the site often I thought I send you another message via this site. Please add Mike Newton as a friend by clicking the button "Add a friend" below his picture. He would like to send you a personal message thanking you for your kind email to him. Chi
It is right that we should remember your father also, for he made that journey too. Everyday life can just take over that we have little time to reflect. But this site has acted as a reminder and it overwhelms me to think that the ending to our journey could have been so different. I am forever thankful to have been allowed that future.
I received your check of 50 pounds converted to $95.20 at the bank today donating toward the gift, book and reunion fund. Thank you for your generosity. I emailed Jo to contact you for the interview.
I saw that you have been sending comments to others on your own page. They can't see it. You have to click on their page and write your comment there. Much love, Chi
Hi
I was just about to leave a comment for Diep when I read down her page, I did not realise that it was your father that had died at sea. I was very moved by your comment, I am having a good cry tonight anyway.... so a few more tears were shed over your posting. xxx
Oh Angie, I get tearful every time I visit this site. Your loss is just so huge, I can understand that massive void in your life even after all this time. Keep strong. xxx
Comment Wall (11 comments)
Welcome to the our site. Pls tell us more about yourself. How old were you in 1978? What are you doing now? Will you be attending our reunion? Post your picture up too. Chi
Ah yes, the ghostly figures. I remember asking if we were going to retrieve our luggage as I wanted a change of clothes. I was told that the boat had been cut loose with all our possessions still on it. I looked out to sea to try and spot it, and there they were - 2 figures, one standing up and the other sitting down. They seemed very relaxed like they were out on a cruise. I stared hard, thinking that if I as much as blink, they would disappear. I tried to get my uncle's attention, who was right next to me. No one else seemed to have noticed. I willed someone to look out in the same direction, and to see what I was seeing. Eventually, turned to try to get my uncle's attention and when I looked back, they were gone. I wanted to say something but then doubted myself - did I really see what I thought I saw?? Only years later, when my mum to me a story that other people on the boat had mentioned seeing ghostly figures, did I then say that I had seen them too.
I emailed to your personal email address a few weeks ago regarding Mike Newton sending you a message to add him as a friend on the site. I am not sure if you got it or not. Since you probably check the site often I thought I send you another message via this site. Please add Mike Newton as a friend by clicking the button "Add a friend" below his picture. He would like to send you a personal message thanking you for your kind email to him. Chi
It is right that we should remember your father also, for he made that journey too. Everyday life can just take over that we have little time to reflect. But this site has acted as a reminder and it overwhelms me to think that the ending to our journey could have been so different. I am forever thankful to have been allowed that future.
Diep
You are so eloquent! Would you consider writing about your thoughts and experience for the memory book?
Thuy
I received your check of 50 pounds converted to $95.20 at the bank today donating toward the gift, book and reunion fund. Thank you for your generosity. I emailed Jo to contact you for the interview.
I saw that you have been sending comments to others on your own page. They can't see it. You have to click on their page and write your comment there. Much love, Chi
I was just about to leave a comment for Diep when I read down her page, I did not realise that it was your father that had died at sea. I was very moved by your comment, I am having a good cry tonight anyway.... so a few more tears were shed over your posting. xxx
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