"The Eye of the Sea" at Mui Dinh

Another spring has arrived, and another new year has come to the staff and employees of Mui Dinh Lighthouse Station – those who are working day and night to ensure the light of the sea continues to flash, guiding ships and boats through the sea.

Contributing to ensuring maritime safety.

The Mui Dinh Lighthouse, built by the French in 1890 and put into operation in 1904, is located on a mountaintop in Son Hai village (Phuoc Dinh commune), facing the Southeast Sea. For over a century, the Mui Dinh Lighthouse has remained steadfast in its role as the "eye of the sea," guiding ships navigating the Mui Dinh channel. The lamp has a quadrilateral prism shape, is 16m high, and is situated at an altitude of 187m above sea level. Today, the lamp uses solar energy, with a power of 100W, flashing white light in groups (2+1) with a cycle of 20 seconds, and a nighttime light range of 26 nautical miles. In favorable weather conditions during the day, the lighthouse can be seen from a distance of more than 30 nautical miles. From the sea, the Mui Dinh Lighthouse stands proudly like a fortress, rising above the lush green forest and rolling sand dunes.

The Mui Dinh lighthouse was built in 1890 and put into operation in 1904.

Having been associated with the Mui Dinh Lighthouse Station for 30 years, Mr. Pham Xuan Quyen, the station chief, shared: "Most of the workers at the station are older and accustomed to harsh sea conditions. Being away from home during Tet (Lunar New Year), we encourage and share the workload to keep the light shining. No matter the circumstances, the lighthouse keepers strive to perform their duties well. Because this is not just a job, but also a responsibility to the sea and sky of our homeland."

Asserting sovereignty

The Mui Dinh lighthouse operates from 6 PM to 6 AM the following morning. During the end of the year or when the weather is foggy, the light is switched on earlier (from 5 PM) to ensure the safety of ships. Due to the salty air and sea breezes that can easily damage machinery and technical equipment, the station's staff must regularly inspect, maintain, and service the equipment twice a day. Mr. Le Minh Tien, a station employee, said: “The most important thing is to keep the light from going out, even for a moment. Because the Mui Dinh lighthouse not only serves as a landmark for ships operating in the area but also as a light affirming national sovereignty at sea.”

The light at Mui Dinh Lighthouse Station flashes steadily to guide ships safely through the Mui Dinh channel.

To reach the lighthouse, we were guided by Station Chief Pham Xuan Quyen up nearly 30 spiral steps, some sections of which were almost vertical. From the top, the sea and sky stretched endlessly into the distance. Far away were fishing boats, their red flags with yellow stars fluttering at the bows. Having worked for many years in the area, lighthouse keepers like Mr. Quyen and Mr. Tien are likened by the locals to "soldiers without ranks." And rightly so, because regardless of sun, rain, wind, or storms, they tirelessly protect the lighthouse, ensuring it never goes out.

We left Mui Dinh Lighthouse Station as the sun began to set. At night, the sea was only filled with the rhythmic sound of waves. Behind us, the light continued to flash steadily. In this moment of welcoming the new year, that light not only guided ships safely back to port and allowed fishermen to reunite with their families, but also ignited faith and affirmed the sovereignty of our homeland's seas and islands.

HAN DA NGUYET

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/chinh-polit/quoc-phong/202602/mat-bien-o-mui-dinh-92d363b/