A Legacy Written on the Water

My grandpa was never recognized or rewarded for what he did, but that’s not what I’m looking for today. I simply want to share his story — to show his kindness, and maybe reconnect with the people he helped. My grandfather is now in heaven, but I’m really proud of him. I’m doing this for him, for my grandmother who still talks about those days, and for my mother.

Here is the information I currently have:

1st rescue – Ship Bakau le Brigainville

Embarkation: Dunkerque, March 5, 1977

Disembarkation: Genoa, March 22, 1977

Context: Vietnamese refugee boat adrift between Vietnam and the Philippines

Officer on duty: Lavis Partin

Around 60 to 70 people rescued

Associated memory: photographs of the boat people (dated February 25, 1973 – possibly a personal note or earlier memory)

2nd rescue – Ship Chevalier Valbelle

Embarkation: Fos-sur-Mer (BASA base)

Disembarkation: Genoa, July 25, 1979

Around 70 to 80 Vietnamese refugees rescued

3rd rescue – Ship Chevalier Paul

Embarkation: Le Havre, July 2, 1983

Disembarkation: Le Havre, September 2, 1983

Officer on duty: Peureux (nickname “Phistos Papa”)

Origin of the ship: South of France

Around 85 to 90 Vietnamese refugees rescued

My grandfather was part of a French crew who rescued Vietnamese refugees at sea between 1977 and 1983. I would like to know if any of them might still be alive, or at least share my grandfather’s story.

You can reach me anytime by email at mjegopoirier@gmail.com / maina.jpr56@gmail.com

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