Tự do's journeyTự do's journey 

Tự do built

On Phú Quốc Island, South Vietnam, Lư Thành Tân has a boat constructed by experienced builders. In secret, he names it Tự do – ‘Freedom’.

Tự do’s engine is deliberately destroyed to avoid suspicion from authorities while a much more powerful motor is installed

Tự do sails from Vietnam on 16 September. It reaches Mersing, Malaysia, on 21 September, but continues on, searching for a new home. 

On 20 November, the boat arrives near Port Keats in the Northern Territory. A day later, it enters Darwin with 31 people on board.

The people from Tự do are housed in Darwin quarantine station and later transferred to Wacol refugee hostel in Brisbane. They leave the boat behind in Darwin.

In January, Tự do is sold to Peter Commander, who uses it to live on and raise a family.

The family of the former owner of Tự do is granted asylum in Australia in August.

The Australian National Maritime Collection acquires the vessel.

Lư Thành Tân visits the museum and sees Tự do for the first time since 1978.

Thanks to information from the Lu family, work commenced to return the vessel to its original configuration and appearance. 

Following many years floating on Sydney Harbour and being enjoyed by visitors, Tự do sailed for the last time with the help of a tug in October 2021.

After being lifted out of the water, it received treatment by our conservators to ensure this amazing boat’s long-term preservation and display at the museum.

After extensive conservation and shipwright works, a restored Tự do is getting ready for its next journey in the museum.