Descendants of British prisoners of war and Dongji fishermen unveil a memorial in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, on May 20. [Photo/Tide News]

The Memorial for Dongji Fishermen's Rescue of British Prisoners of War was unveiled on Qingbang Island in Dongji town, Putuo district, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, on May 20. The ceremony was attended by 18 descendants of Lisbon Maru survivors from the United Kingdom and descendants of Dongji fishermen.

The memorial measures 4.5 meters in length, 1.8 meters in height, and 1.7 meters in width, weighing approximately 1 metric ton. It is inscribed with the words "Love knows no boundary; Friendship transcends time", commemorating the 1942 rescue following the sinking of the Lisbon Maru. Its design depicts storm-tossed waves and interlocked arms symbolizing rescue efforts, while a bilingual inscription recounts how Dongji fishermen bravely saved British prisoners of war. 

In October 1942, the Lisbon Maru, a cargo vessel requisitioned by the Japanese army to transport more than 1,800 British prisoners of war from Hong Kong to Japan, was struck by US forces near today's Dongji town. As the ship sank, local fishermen risked their lives and rescued 384 of the prisoners of war. The British army and government later expressed their deep gratitude. 

Denise Wynne, daughter of Lisbon Maru survivor Dennis Morley, touches the memorial commemorating Dongji fishermen's heroic rescue. [Photo/Tide News]

The memorial now overlooks the very waters where the 1942 rescue took place. Descendants from China and the UK paid a silent tribute, honoring history and the bond between their ancestors.

"Looking at the memorial, I can almost see our ancestors courageously saving lives. We will carry forward this bond," said Wu Xiaofei, a descendant of one of the Dongji fishermen.