In a small village in southern Vietnam, Dinh Du and Hongyen Dao faced a life of hardship and desperation after the fall of Saigon in 1975. With little work, limited resources, and constant threats from the government, they decided to seek advice from a fortune teller on whether to attempt an escape. With the fortune teller’s blessing, Dinh began secretly building a boat to flee Vietnam.
After two years of meticulous planning and construction, the boat was ready. On May 23, 1982, 83 people, including Dinh and Hongyen’s family, boarded the boat and set off into the South China Sea. Facing challenges such as police boats giving chase and a near-sinking due to a leak, they persevered on their journey.
Fortunately, the USS Brewton, a U.S. Navy ship, spotted their distress signal and rescued all 82 passengers, providing them with food, clothes, and medical assistance. The refugees were eventually taken to Singapore, where they awaited relocation to the United States. After months of waiting, Dinh, Hongyen, and their children finally arrived in the U.S. in the spring of 1983.
Settling near Little Saigon in Orange County, California, the family began a new chapter in their lives. The children took on American names, and Yvonne Vu, one of the daughters, grew up to become a successful professional golfer known as Lilia Vu. Despite the challenges and trauma of their journey, the family found resilience and strength in rebuilding their lives in a new country.
Years later, Lilia Vu reflects on her grandfather’s courage and determination to provide a better life for his family. His legacy lives on in the success and achievements of his descendants. The story of the Vu family’s escape and journey to the U.S. serves as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of Vietnamese boat people who sought a brighter future for themselves and their children.