Stranded at sea, the Royal Australian Navy's daring rescue of the MG99 | Australian Story

This is the story of the "luckiest refugees" - a boatload of people fleeing Vietnam in hopes of a better life. Subscribe: bit.ly/3nO2CDi
With their boat damaged irreparably in a storm, the group was preparing to die when the Australian Navy's HMAS Melbourne arrived unexpectedly. Navy photographers captured the night on camera, creating an enduring record as 99 people were lifted to safety.
Forty years on, the survivors meet their saviours during an emotional reunion to share how the rescue changed all their lives for the better.
#AustralianStory #MG99 #RoyalAustralianNavy _________________________________________________________
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About Australian Story: Putting the "real" back into reality television, Australian Story is an award-winning documentary series with no narrator and no agendas - just authentic stories told entirely in people's own words. Take 30 minutes to immerse yourself in the life of an extraordinary Australian. They're sometimes high profile, sometimes controversial, but always compelling. It’s television guaranteed to make you think and feel. New episodes are available every Monday.

Пікірлер: 111

  • @ABCNewsIndepth
    @ABCNewsIndepth2 жыл бұрын

    Watch more Australian Story episodes over on our playlist kzread.info/head/PLDTPrMoGHssDzqF7spxT_VH3Zd266tSEp

  • @FamousActor_AlPacenis

    @FamousActor_AlPacenis

    2 жыл бұрын

    Why do only allow comments on some of your videos? Way to promote two sided public discourse.

  • @elysiq
    @elysiq2 жыл бұрын

    My grandparents were part of this group that was rescued. They’re so brave and I respect them for being so brave.

  • @pvkoz8698

    @pvkoz8698

    2 жыл бұрын

    So happy they were rescued, wonderful outcome.

  • @elysiq

    @elysiq

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@pvkoz8698 omg yes. If not I wouldn't be here🥲

  • @richardmckelvey4343

    @richardmckelvey4343

    Ай бұрын

    wow you are fortunate to know them.

  • @barbaraseymour3437
    @barbaraseymour34372 жыл бұрын

    There ARE good people in the world. And those Vietnamese - what wonderful members of society they have become. I’d be proud to have them as fellow citizens.

  • @tdkieu
    @tdkieu2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for tonight episode of Australian Story on ABC of how the HMS Melbourne has managed to save 99 Vietnamese refugee souls on the high seas, and what has happened to them since. I wasn’t one of the 99. But I was also a lucky and grateful refugee who was given a place in Australia. I believe that I could speak for all the Vietnamese in expressing our eternal gratitude and forever debt to Australia. To John Ingram, Commander of HMS Melbourne, and all sailors involving: “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your compassion, courage and humanity. You make us proud of being Australian.”

  • @thearmchairjournalist566

    @thearmchairjournalist566

    2 жыл бұрын

    I am glad you found peace, safety and a new home with us, best wishes for the future 💜

  • @pvkoz8698

    @pvkoz8698

    2 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic to have you with us. We're also grateful to you and all Vietnamese people to be living together in this land of OZ.

  • @chrisbeecraft
    @chrisbeecraft2 жыл бұрын

    This is one of those story's I am very proud to be Australian and so proud of having the ABC report and record actual history of the nation. Why, because none of the commercial stations would ever cover this story, no profit and no rage in it and it's a part of our history that needs to be recorded - the good parts. *It's our ABC, hands off* .

  • @sharpshooter_Aus

    @sharpshooter_Aus

    2 жыл бұрын

    There is plenty to be proud of being an Australian mate.

  • @herosdad648
    @herosdad6482 жыл бұрын

    Saved many souls, touched many hearts and inspired many generations to come. Thank you Australia

  • @bizaythegreat1
    @bizaythegreat12 жыл бұрын

    Powerful ..... is an understatement.what a story and what an outcome...brilliant..

  • @keziasarah
    @keziasarah2 жыл бұрын

    53yr old bloke crying like a baby here ... such compassion, such thankfulness. If only all of mankind could only be like this what a wonderful world we'd have...

  • @lululand1653
    @lululand16532 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for highlighting the Australia I respected that had a heart and rescued the MG99ers refugees without hesitation. What a contrast to the heartless shift from Howard till today that cruelly dehumanises refugees and leaves them highly traumatised without compassion or respect.

  • @KenJames9911

    @KenJames9911

    2 жыл бұрын

    Well said.

  • @TheAverlorn

    @TheAverlorn

    2 жыл бұрын

    + Pauline Hanson

  • @change_your_oil_regularly4287
    @change_your_oil_regularly42872 жыл бұрын

    I can see the "Aussie" in them through their humor. Happy to call them fellow Aussies 👍

  • @fuzzjunky
    @fuzzjunky2 жыл бұрын

    what a surprising gem of a story. WHO IS CUTTING ONIONS AROUND HERE?

  • @dwong2328
    @dwong23282 жыл бұрын

    What a remarkable story.

  • @jasondang8777
    @jasondang87772 жыл бұрын

    Proud son of refugees, giving back to my country and joining the ADF

  • @kangaroo7525

    @kangaroo7525

    2 жыл бұрын

    Good one mate. Making all of us proud.

  • @pvkoz8698

    @pvkoz8698

    2 жыл бұрын

    Good stuff, so glad you're here.

  • @zoekenny3619
    @zoekenny36192 жыл бұрын

    What an incredible story and incredible people, both sailors and refugees. Where did our compassion go since that time? The difference in treatment of refugees could not be more stark. Shame on John Howard for his demonisation of refugees which has continued unabated to this day. I hope that stain follows him to his grave.

  • @1mmickk

    @1mmickk

    2 жыл бұрын

    We are still the same compassionate people we have always been. After WW1, the Turks, Germans, they all wanted to come here because they had seen what Aussies were like. After WW2, the Greeks, Italians, Slavs etc all wanted to come here because they had seen what Aussies were like. After Korea, Malaya, Vietnam, Afghanistan, the same thing. Dont ever mix up the Government the Media wants you to have with who we are as Australians. Our Soldiers, Sailors and Aircrew are our best Ambassadors. It takes three generations for any new arrivals to settle in and settle in they always do.

  • @TheAverlorn

    @TheAverlorn

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@1mmickk Explain the refugee camps that have been looked down on by the rest of the world?

  • @thearmchairjournalist566
    @thearmchairjournalist5662 жыл бұрын

    This story should open people’s hearts to those fleeing Afghanistan now, we should never stop giving help, compassion and safety for those fleeing persecution and death by tyranny 💜

  • @kabe1799

    @kabe1799

    2 жыл бұрын

    Exactly.

  • @My.Adidas.Stripes
    @My.Adidas.Stripes2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Australia.👍

  • @danesinclair4230
    @danesinclair42302 жыл бұрын

    People helping people - It helps me believe that there is still hope for us. Thanks to everyone involved for sharing.

  • @reinoIX3
    @reinoIX32 жыл бұрын

    The Captain is my uncle ♥

  • @roycemachado9770
    @roycemachado97702 жыл бұрын

    Such an inspiring story

  • @abrahamdecruz5128
    @abrahamdecruz51282 жыл бұрын

    Commander Ingram and his men should be given high state awards. They saved 99 lives. The commander comes across as a genuine caring lhuman being. The men.under his command were lucky to serve under such a navy leader.

  • @beckyumphrey2626
    @beckyumphrey26263 ай бұрын

    Amazing. The power of kindness and love.

  • @Eatitbiach
    @Eatitbiach2 жыл бұрын

    Great people all. Vietnamese, Australians... we are all people.

  • @NisMopar06
    @NisMopar062 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful.

  • @TinyFreya59
    @TinyFreya59 Жыл бұрын

    My favorite things were seeing the survivors showing THEIR children the pictures and share their stories and hearing the Aussie accents coming out of the Vietnamese mouth of what were rescued children. This story gives me such hope for the world. This is how it’s supposed to work, people!

  • @aletheiai
    @aletheiai2 жыл бұрын

    Good news is welcome. Excellent timing, ABC.

  • @happygg9418
    @happygg94182 жыл бұрын

    I am happy for these Vietnamese. I agree they are the "luckiest refugees". I was not that lucky and ended up spending nearly 2 years in Malaysian refugee camp. Yet I was much luckier than those who had never made it.

  • @pvkoz8698

    @pvkoz8698

    2 жыл бұрын

    Sorry to hear that, must have been hell for you...but I'm glad you made it!

  • @mvnorsel6354
    @mvnorsel63542 жыл бұрын

    A great story of the Australian Navy. Great PR. The Vietnamese in Australia has been a great success story. Excellent viewing.

  • @neilwhisler7817
    @neilwhisler78172 жыл бұрын

    Farout, what a fantastic story. One of the decent and good ones to emerge from that barstard of a war. These refugees have shown just how grateful they are, by becoming fantastic Australian citizens. I am very proud to be Australian. Thank you ABC.

  • @wilfriedloe8651
    @wilfriedloe86512 жыл бұрын

    Wooowww..... I am so touched by this memory. I did experience living together with Vietnamese and Cambodian friends in Galang Island, Indonesia in 1984.

  • @fredlane2606
    @fredlane26062 жыл бұрын

    The virtually automatic airmanship, seamanship and compassion of Melbourne's crew is matched only by the demonstrated bravery, determination and ultimate good citzenship of those few rescued from such peril on the sea. Shame on the politicians in their comfortable armchairs who would like to veto such action.

  • @diggahrockhounder6428
    @diggahrockhounder64282 жыл бұрын

    Well done, bravo 👏. Humanity at its finest 🙏 🇨🇦

  • @elizabethchen272
    @elizabethchen2722 жыл бұрын

    It bring tears to my eyes to see this story.🙏🙏🙏👏✋🔥📖✝️

  • @KenJames9911
    @KenJames99112 жыл бұрын

    This is Beautiful....

  • @danieljackfrancis338
    @danieljackfrancis3382 жыл бұрын

    this is so beautiful. thank you for making this film. such a feel good thing to watch it makes my heart so warm. such beautiful people. thank you for sharing ❤️

  • @happygg9418
    @happygg94182 жыл бұрын

    Thank you ABC

  • @QuynhNguyen-pj4rf
    @QuynhNguyen-pj4rf Жыл бұрын

    When I watched this video my heart was so touched. It brought tears to my eyes, because I was on that boat. I now reside in the USA. I would like to thank all those that helped me from the bottom of my heart. Also thanks to the Australian ship that rescued us.

  • @DucTran-oq2yq
    @DucTran-oq2yq2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing your story. Touching my heart, brough down my tear in a similar journey.

  • @sgreg6325
    @sgreg63252 жыл бұрын

    These men are heroes, not cops doing a job they are meant too, like protect firstly "WE THE PEOPLE".

  • @louloug2008
    @louloug20082 жыл бұрын

    This is just the story I needed today

  • @redguest5772
    @redguest57722 жыл бұрын

    We’re always forever indebted to Australia and those Navy thank you!

  • @zetahenderson6172
    @zetahenderson61729 ай бұрын

    God bless the R.A.N. and HMAS MELBOURNE, job well done.

  • @ongmat4439
    @ongmat44392 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Australia. Mr John Ingram and the soldiers on the ship have been very kind to the Vietnamese boatpeople.

  • @juanitarichards1074
    @juanitarichards10742 жыл бұрын

    Pirates......attacking the most desperate vulnerable people, who had nothing anyway. Despicable.

  • @LittleGidget1

    @LittleGidget1

    2 жыл бұрын

    The Governments of the World do it EVERYDAY

  • @chuckygobyebye

    @chuckygobyebye

    2 жыл бұрын

    They always do, they don't shoot back.

  • @tonynguyen36
    @tonynguyen36 Жыл бұрын

    I have to cry cause I’m one of those people land to USA. ❤

  • @bernadetteapps9303
    @bernadetteapps93032 жыл бұрын

    Bloody good & thought provoking story, thank you ABC & Australian Story for airing it.

  • @cathybassett6432
    @cathybassett6432 Жыл бұрын

    What a wonderful fantastic story. So great to see we are one human family.

  • @jasoar1563
    @jasoar15632 жыл бұрын

    really opens your eyes up about the mindset of a "genuine" refugee and our policies perhaps aren't the smartest if we get outstanding members of society in return.

  • @kimhuy1005
    @kimhuy10052 жыл бұрын

    In the 1980s, we were on the third day of our journey run away from our war-torn country to any refugee camp in Southeast Asia Countries. The first day and the second day were horrible; you could not imagine all details of that unbelievable, unforgettable living hell. On the third day, we were once again in deep trouble with those evils on the Gulf of Thailand, they were not human, they were monsters on the sea. The pirates dragged all of us to the roof of our boat; they tied a rope and pulled our small boat to somewhere maybe the desert Thai island for torturing, for killing to satisfy their insane, lunatic, barbaric, inhuman, cruel Thai fishermen. While we were praying to Buddha, to God to save our lives, we saw a merchant vessel far away on the horizon, when the vessel was appeared bigger and bigger, the people on that vessel saw us or not, they did nothing. However, because of the appearance of the big merchant vessel, the Thai pirates immediately cut the rope and used their hands to make a signal and our boat was free to go. The sky was becoming dark; we then had to fight hard with the violent winds, the crazy terrible sea waves, our small boat looked like a tiny leaf on a rough sea, we all prepared to die on the open water. Fortunately, a mysterious power suddenly made our boat run smoothly, and finally, we all came to Pulau Bidong Refugee Camp. We were some of the lucky boat people to survive the horrible ordeal on the monster Gulf of Thailand. Thank God!

  • @magicalempire
    @magicalempire2 жыл бұрын

    A wonderful story, great people helped save some great peoples lives, bless you all and the film crew

  • @JSN_woi
    @JSN_woi Жыл бұрын

    Thank you to the brave officers of the Australian armed forces, and thank you for sharing this piece of Australian-Vietnamese history for future generations.

  • @huyentrangle3565
    @huyentrangle35652 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Thanks Thanks and Thanks

  • @richardkam1532
    @richardkam15322 жыл бұрын

    A very touching story

  • @user-ky4qv4kd6s
    @user-ky4qv4kd6s2 жыл бұрын

    I hear a Vietnamese mixed with an Aussie accent. Thats pretty cool. The diaspora of asians are so diverse.

  • @jeffestrada6857
    @jeffestrada68572 жыл бұрын

    How things have changed. These Australians involved from the government to the actual sailors that saved these wonderfully brave people is to be admired 👍👍👍 and the heart of who Australia used to be as an identity.... Very different to today where we throw people fleeing persecution into stinking jail like refugee/detention centres not knowing where their lives will end up...Absolutely appalling to be Australian today and shame to all the government and their current policies on refugees 👎👎

  • @Sparklenuts
    @Sparklenuts2 жыл бұрын

    24:55 Dat me :D

  • @reinoIX3

    @reinoIX3

    2 жыл бұрын

    Nice haha

  • @thearmchairjournalist566

    @thearmchairjournalist566

    2 жыл бұрын

    I am happy your family made it here safely and their descendants are having a joyful life together 💜

  • @pvkoz8698

    @pvkoz8698

    2 жыл бұрын

    Awesome your here Jeremy.

  • @avemaria7008
    @avemaria70087 ай бұрын

    Thank you RoyalAustralian Navy and ABC New and Australia🐨🦘

  • @ilovelifelifelovesme773
    @ilovelifelifelovesme773Ай бұрын

    At a 11 years of age my dad took me, on an 82 foot long wooden boat, sailing into a hurricane for fun. It wasent fun. Yet I remember him laughing at me while manhandeling the steering wheel.

  • @redeye54
    @redeye542 жыл бұрын

    good people do exist in this chaotic world. amazing story.

  • @ToyotaPete
    @ToyotaPete2 жыл бұрын

    ❤ to all

  • @chuckygobyebye
    @chuckygobyebye2 жыл бұрын

    This is a wonderful story of the resettlement of desperate people in a clement land. I can only wish that Australians would learn from this episode of history and apply it to today's difficulties. My first job and team in my IT career consisted of three refuges, a second-generation Italian and my boss was half indigenous. I was the only full 'White Australia' member. Best team ever and I regret leaving, young and dumb. Multiculturalism is a potent asset for Australia and the government policy towards refugees over the last 20 years is an embarrassment at best.

  • @benwilson6145
    @benwilson61452 жыл бұрын

    A friend of mine was at the "Club" on Koolan Island sitting down to Sunday lunch and two very wet Asians appeared at the door. They wee Vietnamese and had sailed there from Vietnam. The Ship was at the base of a cliff.

  • @gloin10
    @gloin102 жыл бұрын

    That was when Australia had a government which had some actual human beings in it.... Onions, there's bloody onions everywhere...

  • @bonjourvietnam007
    @bonjourvietnam0072 жыл бұрын

    🙏😢

  • @kenstuckey9347
    @kenstuckey93472 жыл бұрын

    What an inspiring story, shame our current self satisfied government doesn’t embody the spirit of our predecessors!

  • @ironpete9827
    @ironpete982710 ай бұрын

    Peter Evans is my Dad :D

  • @kentershackle1329
    @kentershackle13292 жыл бұрын

    Damnn...came here after reading an article about an Afganistan refugee seeker, imprisoned 8 years by Australian gov, now counter pleading to be released/returned to Afghanistan so he can try save/die with his family...

  • @hogey74
    @hogey742 жыл бұрын

    It was emotional for me to watch this. I had no idea.

  • @judieg.7945
    @judieg.79452 жыл бұрын

    I would be happy to rescue these people. The ones invading our southern border have no intention of helping our nation They fly the flag of their home nation on their pickup trucks, keep their music, culture and language. We are just the unwilling hosts to them, the providers. IMO.

  • @jesshwin
    @jesshwin9 ай бұрын

    ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

  • @ucviet1
    @ucviet12 жыл бұрын

    Does anyone know about Pulau Tenoah off Mersing Malaysia,, .?...a vn refugee island closed in 1980

  • @danw3735
    @danw3735 Жыл бұрын

    Apparently we sold the HMAS Melbourne Aircraft carrier to the Chinese and kickstarted their carrier building program.

  • @dragonzbay
    @dragonzbay2 жыл бұрын

    🌋What it takes to reach out to the least of the least among us🔥is what it takes to enhance the lives of everyone else as well💘

  • @dragonzbay

    @dragonzbay

    2 жыл бұрын

    👍

  • @zlatkodraskovic5532
    @zlatkodraskovic55322 жыл бұрын

    How did I get here … mom?

  • @janinedaniell1967
    @janinedaniell19672 жыл бұрын

    WARNING: TEARJERKER !!!!

  • @nganguyen3013
    @nganguyen30132 жыл бұрын

    Trong chưyên nầy có anhnăn mình trong đây đả gần50

  • @gordonb9903
    @gordonb99032 жыл бұрын

    Withdraw from the 2022 winter games in China how can the world give such an honour as hosting an Olympic Games to a country engaged in genocide

  • @steve-meme
    @steve-meme2 жыл бұрын

    the thing is most of vietnamese joined the christian churches.

  • @thearmchairjournalist566

    @thearmchairjournalist566

    2 жыл бұрын

    So, that’s okay 👍

  • @chriswestwood3289
    @chriswestwood32892 жыл бұрын

    Seems America is always on the wrong side.

  • @ongmat4439

    @ongmat4439

    2 жыл бұрын

    In Viet Nam, at that time the USA suddenly cut off all the supplies to the South Republic of VN meanwhile the Soviet bloc and China continued supplying everything to the North communists. It's simply the case that the American efforts did not match those of Soviet bloc plus China in this bloody war.

  • @KittyKatpurr
    @KittyKatpurr2 жыл бұрын

    Rob Patterson is much better looking Rob Pattinston

  • @iawy8264
    @iawy82642 жыл бұрын

    Fake News ABC these people Whitlam deserted shut the embassy The Sydney Morning Herald editorialised on April 28, 1975: "Very many Australians must be deeply angry and ashamed about the callousness of Whilam Labor government’s scuttle from Saigon and its abandonment-betrayal is not too strong-of hundreds of Vietnamese entitled to expect our assistance to flee the fate awaiting the marked-down enemies of Hanoi. The committee concluded that the government’s failure to rescue more Vietnamese had not been caused by incompetence but had been deliberate"

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