On 2 May 1975, the first wave of 300 refugees arrived in Singapore waters on board the vessel Truong Hai.
[3] During this period, Operation Thunderstorm was activated by MINDEF, making Singapore one of the first countries to stop refugees from entering its coastlines.
The primary objective of the operation was to contain, quarantine and prevent refugees from entering and staying in Singapore.
Quarantine areas were set up along the beaches of Marine Parade and a SAF Field Hospital was deployed to Bedok Jetty to provide first aid and other essential medical services.
Food, water, fuel oil and other provisions were given in order to ensure the departure of the vessels.