Three Hong Kong fishermen detained in Vietnam for almost a month after their boat capsized near the disputed Spratly Islands returned home yesterday.
Their release brings to an end a drawn-out diplomatic struggle between the Chinese and Vietnamese governments over the fate of the trio and eight mainland fishermen found by the Vietnamese navy in mid-August.
Fung Ching-fuk, 44, his brother Yau-tim, 38, and his son Ka-ming, 22, who all live on Cheung Chau, arrived at Chek Lap Kok airport yesterday, where they were reunited with their families.
The three were among 36 fishermen on a Hong Kong boat that capsized around August 14 in bad weather.
The trio escaped with the eight mainlanders in an unpowered sampan after abandoning the boat. The 11 were washed ashore on an island, where they were found and detained.
The 25 other fishermen, including two of Mr Fung's family, are still missing, presumed dead.
Fung Ching-fuk said yesterday he had no idea what abrupt change was behind their sudden release.