In the late 70s, as the refugee crisis in the South China Sea became more dire and publicized, a group led by Rupert Neudeck formed the committee “A ship for Vietnam” to rescue the Boat People fleeing oppressive regimes. And so the Cap Anamur was born against the “express will of the German government”, but funded and supported by the German people themselves. The organization would go on to save 11,300 Vietnamese refugees in the South China Sea, and exists to this day helping those in need all around the world.
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Scattered across the world, the Boat People shaped unknown and alien places, into their new homes. Hear their stories of adjusting to their new surroundings.
The "Cap Anamur": Sisters Tuyet and Hue
"The Cap Anamur was our saviour, it had given us a second chance at life, a rebirth. We had to repay the German people for their help."
Read MoreThe "Cap Anamur": Hop's Journey
The Cap Anamur came to the island to help us find new homes. They helped us draw up papers for wherever we wanted to go. Now, at the time, we really only knew of the US, or Australia. Germany didn’t exactly come to mind!
Read MoreSeven Attempts: Duc's Journey to Germany
"Looking around us, in every direction, the sea stretched as far as the eye could see. All around us, just sea and sky. We began to lose hope."
Read MoreThe Cap Anamur II: The Journey to Hamburg
Nguyen Huu Huan is one of the Boat People, braving the South China Sea himself during his own journey to freedom. He currently resides in Hamburg, Germany. Here is his incredible story aboard the humanitarian vessel Cap Anamur II.
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