Commemorating the WWII Lisbon Maru shipwreck, British descendants honor and thank the courageous Dongji Island of China fishermen who saved their ancestors 82 years ago.
Zhejiang, China, 25th June 2024 — At 4 PM on 17th June 2024, a white vessel gently docked at Dongji Island, which is located in Zhoushan city in Zhejiang province of China. Fifteen British descendants of the WWII Lisbon Maru shipwreck POWs disembarked, their hearts filled with profound emotion. This journey, undertaken by both elderly individuals and young children, was not only to pay homage to their forefathers but also to convey their heartfelt gratitude to the courageous Dongji Island fishermen who rescued their ancestors 82 years ago.
In October 1942, the Japanese military was transporting over 1,800 British POWs from Hong Kong to Japan aboard the Lisbon Maru. Near Zhoushan, the ship was struck by torpedoes fired by the American submarine USS Grouper, causing it to lose power. During the 25 hours from the initial strike to the ship’s sinking, the Japanese confined all POWs in the ship’s hold, nailing shut the doors with wooden planks and canvas. The POWs valiantly attempted to escape but were met with gunfire from the Japanese. In this critical moment, 198 Chinese fishermen from Qingbang Island and two nearby islands witnessed the sinking and swiftly launched a rescue operation. Risking their lives, they rowed out in small boats and rescued 384 exhausted British POWs from the water.
Kenneth Andrew Salmon, son of a Lisbon Maru survivor, expressed his feelings to reporters, “This is my first time on Dongji Island, and I feel an inherent emotional connection here. My father was incredibly fortunate; after escaping from the hold, he was rescued from the sea by Dongji fishermen. They brought him to the island, providing food and clothing, which saved his life.”
Denise Vini, daughter of another survivor, was moved to tears, “I am overwhelmed with emotion. Finally meeting the descendants of the Dongji fishermen, I want to say thank you on behalf of my father. Without their bravery, my father would not have survived, and I would not be here today with my descendants. I hope that my future generations will also come to Dongji, continuing to honor this unyielding bond.”
As night fell, the British descendants, together with the local fishermen, enjoyed the sea breeze, listened to songs, and experienced the unique island life. Despite the language barrier, they communicated through gestures and hugs, feeling their hearts draw closer together.
On June 18th, the British visitors will tour the Lisbon Maru Rescue Memorial Hall, participate in painting local fishermen’s art, and visit the shipwreck site for a memorial service.
Business Summary:
Dongji Island is a located in Zhoushan (Zhejiang, China). It has many popular attractions, including East Pole Island Scenic Area, Dongfushan Island, Qingbang Island, making it a popular choice for travellers.
Contact Info:
Address: Dongji, Putuo District, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
Phone Number: +86 0580-6048065
Contact Name: Dongji
Business Name: Dongji
Originally Posted On: https://syndication.cloud/british-descendants-of-lisbon-maru-pows-visit-dongji-china-to-thank-rescuers/
