Hung Shih-cheng, from Taiwan's Pingtung county, had been working as a fisherman for more than 50 years.

With the help of his son-in-law, Hung caught a 7-meter-long architeuthis, or giant squid, weighing 211 kg seven years ago. His "battle" with the architeuthis reminded many fishermen of the renowned novel The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway.

Hung won his reputation as an experienced and brave fisherman.

As the only source of his family's income, Hung worked hard. "It was my father who earned the money for the family to survive," his daughter said.

Hung Yu-chih, the victim's son, said his father had decided to retire several years ago. The fishing boat Guang Ta Hsin 28, which was destroyed by the Philippine coast guard, was a gift that Hung gave to his son after he planned to retire.

"My father thought he had to teach my brother how to catch bluefin tuna so he came along this time," the daughter said. "I just hope that I can have my father's body back."

China Daily