"Love works miracles," is a saying that applies to a Vietnamese man who traveled great distances rowing at sea in a small inflatable boat to reach India to meet his wife, whom he was forced to be apart from for two years due to the novel coronavirus. He had no map, compass, GPS, spare clothes, or even any means to protect himself from the treachery of the seas, but his love for her compelled him to face all difficulties in search of her, according to Oddity Central.
The Thai Navy received a report about the Vietnamese man, named "Ho Hwang Hong," who had departed from Phuket in southern Thailand at the beginning of March on a small inflatable boat carrying a few water bottles and instant noodle packs. One of the fishing boats managed to find the 37-year-old Vietnamese man near the Similan Islands in Thailand, about 80 kilometers from the mainland.
Since the man spoke neither Thai nor English, the captain of the fishing boat contacted authorities who came to rescue him and stopped him. A Vietnamese interpreter was brought in later, and officials learned that the man was on a desperate mission to find his wife in India. He had lost contact with her two years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic and hoped to reach her.
The Vietnamese traveler aimed to cross the Bay of Bengal to reach India, located about two thousand kilometers away, to see his wife, from whom he had been separated for such a long time due to strict travel restrictions related to the pandemic. Thus, he bought a blue and yellow inflatable boat and began his journey on March 5. Apparently, contrary winds hindered him, and he made little progress during the two weeks of his journey.
Despite failing to plan his dangerous trip, "Hong's" determination impressed the Thai navy, which recently tweeted: "No matter the size of the ocean... true love cannot be hindered for this man." Hong was offered temporary accommodation until authorities decided how to assist him in reuniting with his wife.
