Fishermen in Nghe An overcome difficulties and return to sea after the storm.

On the morning of August 27th, when the fishing ban was lifted, fishermen at the fishing ports in Nghe An were bustling with preparations to set sail. Despite facing numerous difficulties due to power outages, a shortage of fresh water, and the need to purchase ice from distant locations, the fishermen were still busy making arrangements to catch their first fishing trip of the day, hoping for a good catch after the storm.

Fishermen are busy preparing their fishing gear to head out to sea after taking a break to avoid the storm. Photo: TP

This morning, at Cua Lo fishing port, hundreds of fishermen were busily loading necessities, nets, fishing gear, and ice chests onto their boats. The sounds of oil pumps, people calling out to each other, and cheerful laughter filled the air after days of staying ashore to avoid the storm.

Phung Ba Hung, a crew member, shared: “Luckily, our boats weren't damaged after the storm. As soon as the province issued an urgent notice allowing us to go out to sea from 5 am this morning, August 27th, the boat owner informed the crew to prepare. In the fishing industry, missing even one day means losing income, so everyone is eagerly anticipating going out to sea. Now that we have the order, everyone is excited, just hoping for favorable sea conditions and a full hold of fish and shrimp.”

Pumping fresh water onto the boat in preparation for long sea voyages. Photo: TP

While many large vessels prepare for multi-day trips, smaller boats take advantage of fishing near the shore. Nguyen Trong Ha, a fisherman from Cua Lo ward, said: “This morning, my wife and I woke up early to prepare our fishing gear and water. We set sail around 10 am and will return around 3-4 pm. The trip isn't long, but if we're lucky, we can still earn some extra income to compensate for the days we had to stay home due to the storm.”

Due to widespread power outages, fishermen in Quynh Mai ward had to buy ice from Thanh Hoa, adding to their costs, but they had no choice. (Photo: TP)

However, due to widespread power outages, many ice production facilities are not operating, leading to a shortage of ice for preserving seafood. Some boat owners have to travel far to buy ice from Thanh Hoa province, or even further, and then hire refrigerated trucks to transport it back in time for their fishing trips.

The owner of the fishing vessel NS 91207 TS, residing in Quynh Mai ward, said: “After a storm, we usually catch a lot of seafood, so I and six crew members took the opportunity to check the boat and refuel in order to set sail immediately. But the biggest difficulty is the lack of ice. I have to buy it from Thanh Hoa province and have it shipped here, increasing costs, but we still have to bear it because delaying going out to sea by even one day means the crew members have no income.”

Fishermen in Tan Mai ward check their equipment and refuel, getting ready to set sail. Photo: TP

The shortage of fresh water is also causing difficulties for fishermen. Many boats have to buy water from mobile tanks, at a price one and a half times higher than usual. In addition, essential supplies for long sea voyages have all increased in price. Despite this, no one is discouraged.

Mr. Nguyen Van Nam, owner of fishing boat NA 9266 TS residing in Tan Mai ward, shared: “After several days of sheltering from the storm, with the boat docked ashore, I was very anxious. Yesterday, I had the mechanics check the electrical system and machinery, and perform maintenance to ensure the boat's safety. This morning, despite the difficulties with water, ice, and fuel, which had to be purchased from many places and were more expensive, I was determined to send the boat out to sea. It is expected to return to port in four days. Hopefully, the first fishing trip after the storm will be successful and partially recoup the costs.”

Check the lighting and electrical equipment thoroughly before departure. Photo: TP

Not only fishermen, but many seafood processing facilities are also eagerly awaiting their first fishing trip after the storm. Ms. Nguyen Thi Huyen, owner of a processing facility in Cua Lo ward, excitedly said: “Customers have placed many orders for the Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day holiday. Orders for fresh seafood and processed products have increased. We just hope the fishermen have a successful trip, catching plenty of fish and shrimp to supply the market and ensure production.”

Mr. Ho Xuan Huong, Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Cua Lo Ward, said: "During the storm, the association coordinated with local people to ensure safe mooring of their boats. After the order to resume fishing was given, fishermen are busy repairing their boats, replenishing fuel and food supplies. The ward has more than 500 fishing boats, and so far, most are safe, with many boats already setting sail on the morning of August 27th."

Some essential goods have seen slight price increases, leading to higher costs for fishing trips. Photo: TP

Despite facing numerous challenges, from electricity and water to ice and fuel, fishermen in Nghe An remain determined to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities to set sail as soon as the sea opens. For them, the storm is a new opportunity. After days spent adrift, avoiding storms, each trip out to sea holds the hope of a bountiful catch of shrimp and fish, bringing in additional income for the fishermen.

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/ngu-dan-nghe-an-khac-phuc-kho-khan-ra-khoi-sau-bao-10305337.html