Missing man Vinh Nguyen’s heroic act before suspected drowning off Otways coastline

The partner of Vinh Nguyen, missing off the Otways coastline, has told of the man’s brave attempt to save a friend from drowning – moments before he was swept out to sea.

Abalone fisherman, Vinh Nguyen, who is missing off the Otways coast near Gellibrand Lower. Picture: Supplied

The search for a missing Vietnamese man lost in the ocean off the rugged ­Otways coastline will resume on Tuesday after the man was swept away after trying to save his best friend from drowning

Vinh Nguyen, 30, was hunting for abalone with Long Do, also 30, nearby the Devils Kitchen campgrounds with three others.

Sometime about 3pm Sunday Mr Do started to struggle in the swell and called for help, according to Mr Vinh’s girlfriend, Ha Chu, who rushed down from Melbourne last night.

Mr Vinh then tried to save him but was sucked into the sea himself.

Long Do drowned off the Otways coast near Gellibrand Lower hunting abalone. Picture: Supplied

The three others made it back to shore and immediately called emergency services.

The trio was found stranded by emergency crews on a cliff face between Devil’s Kitchen and Wreck Beach at 4.30pm on Sunday.

Mr Do, who died at the scene, was located by police on the rocks of the beach.

Mr Vinh hasn’t been sighted since, but a helicopter was on Monday circling the sky and a water rescue boat in the sea in a bid to find his body.

Ms Chu, 23, said Mr Do and Mr Vinh were both experienced abalone fishermen who were like brothers.

They were trying to catch abalone for Ms Chu’s mother’s birthday.

“Hopefully they will find him. They’re doing what they can,” Ms Chu said

“Anyone out there – fishermen, scuba divers, or anyone just walking past on the beach, please let us know if you see him.

Ha Chu, girlfriend of missing abalone hunter Vinh Nguyen, has told of her partner’s heroic efforts to save his best friend. Picture: Supplied

The search continues for Vinh Nguyen, who is missing off the Otways coast near Gellibrand Lower. Picture: Supplied

“He’s very kind, generous and outgoing. He’s always put people in front.”

Ms Chu said she moved to study in Australia with Vinh because they loved the outdoors.

Vinh recently completed a masters degree in logistics and supply chain.

He had also just bought a puppy he named Mark, after an Australian man who helped him when he moved.

“He was just exploring. He loved adventures,” Ms Chu said.

Mr Do is survived by his wife, who like Ms Chu is 23.

They reside in St Albans and Kings Park.

Ms Chu said Mr Vinh’s parents were waiting for him back in Vietnam.

They just want to find him — whether alive or not — so that they can see him again.

“We really want to bring him home, even if he’s not alive,” Ms Chu said.

“His parents are waiting for him in Vietnam and we’re waiting for him, too.”