Monday, March 21, 2011

Boat survivor humbled by bravery medal

Updated March 21, 2011
Source: ABC

A New South Wales architect being honoured with a bravery award for saving several people from a sinking boat in Vietnam's Halong Bay says he does not consider himself a hero.

David Andren, from Sawtell on the state's mid-north coast, was among 25 passengers and crew aboard the tourist boat when it capsized during a storm in 2009.

He is today receiving a national bravery medal for helping rescue fellow passengers.

He says he is humbled by the award.

"I was probably in a slightly calmer frame of mind because I wasn't in the worst of it," he said.

"I was able to think about how to help people at the time.

"I think I did what most other people would do."

Another tourist boat sank in Halong Bay last month, killing 12 people, including one Australian.

The captain of that boat has since been charged with violating the country's water safety rules.

David Andren is among 60 people being recognised at today's ceremony.

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