'They accept that they might die': Vietnamese in Britain recall perilous flight to safety

Essex lorry tragedy has brought back painful memories for those who made similar decisions in search of a better life

For Loan Hoang, news of the tragedy in Essex brought memories rushing back of how her own brothers risked their lives to help their family flee Vietnam four decades ago.

In 1978, three of them were among 600 people crammed on to a boat made for 400. With the boat barely floating under the weight of its cargo, they set out to sea uncertain whether the voyage would end in safety or death.