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Mr John Hurson, 53, has experienced feelings beyond words after traveling to see the relatives of those killed in the tragedy of the 39 Vietnamese immigrants who died in containers in Essex County, northeast of London, England.
Mr. John claimed he could remember how he felt almost 4 years ago. At the time, when he learned – through the press and local media – that 39 Vietnamese victims had died in a container in Essex as a result of a line illegally smuggling people into the UK, he was shocked and furious.
“I am angry that people from my country are responsible for this horrific event, but I am also sorry that it happened. I don’t know who caused this catastrophe, but some of the defendants live no more than 20 miles from where I live, here in Northern Ireland,” the man said.
Mr John also drove the vehicle that contained the identical container encountered by the 39 victims in their last moments of life. He’s been plagued by it for over a year, because every time he opens the tailgate to unload, he remembers the same people who died there. No matter how scared a person was or how many times a person begged for help, all they received was terrible desperation.
Tyron to Vietnam
He had often wanted to visit Vietnam, and tragedy had pushed him to go. However, the Covid-19 pandemic forced him to put his plans on hold. When international travel resumed in September 2022, Mr. John started organizing the trip. He landed in Hanoi on February 7 and started his journey on February 11 to see the relatives of the victims.
“I want the families to know that the citizens of our country will never forget this tragedy and the terrible deaths it has caused. Every family that comes to visit leaves me with feelings that are very special and hard to put into words. I walk around with a banner that says “Tyrone to Vietnam”, as a sign of sharing and friendship, but also as a reminder to the families of the victims.” – continued Jan.
Mr John claimed that every visiting family gives a token of appreciation. It was a cross representing the regions of Donaghmore and Ardboe in his native Tyrone. And those crosses, which hold the heart of a Western man with a kind heart, are on the altar of every household.
“I don’t think my visit will ease the suffering of those left behind, as their suffering is irreparable. But I hope I can offer them some comfort,” he continued.
Mr. John continued his exploration of Vietnam from north to south after the visit. He will stay in Vietnam for a month and will soon travel to Ho Chi Minh City.
@thanhnien.vn
