Fishermen who love the sea

As dawn breaks over the sea, the fishing boats, laden with shrimp and fish, return. Behind these boats lie the stories of life, work, and aspirations for the future of the fishermen of Ha Tinh .

As dawn breaks over the sea, the fishing boats, laden with shrimp and fish, return. Behind these boats lie the stories of life, work, and aspirations for the future of the fishermen of Ha Tinh.

The bridge is calm, the sea is still.

For generations, fishermen have always linked their lives to the stormy seas. Facing danger and hardship at the forefront of the waves, their sweat and tears seem to have mingled with the salty taste of the ocean. In the vast expanse of the sea, the fishermen's only wish is for the heavens to bring calm seas and for their boats to return with holds full of shrimp and fish.

Before each fishing trip, fishermen in Ha Tinh always pray for calm seas and smooth sailing.

Meeting Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tam (born in 1980, Son Bang village, Thach Kim commune, Loc Ha district) as his boat docked at Cua Sot fishing port after nearly 3 weeks of fishing near Bach Long Vi island ( Hai Phong ), we listened to him recount stories from his time far out at sea.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tam (in the brown shirt) and his crew prepare the fishing hooks for the upcoming squid fishing trip.

With a weathered face and skin tanned by the salty sea, few would guess that Mr. Tam is only in his early 40s. Mr. Tam shared: “I’ve been involved in the fishing industry since I was 20, and I’ve spent 23 years sailing the waves. Before, I worked as a crew member on large ships in the area to go out to sea for fishing. More than 10 years ago, my family saved up some capital and invested in a new 200 HP boat, and I became my own boss, venturing out to sea. Although I know the hardships of seafaring are immense, having been born in a coastal area, I wouldn’t know what other job to do if I didn’t go to sea.”

Tâm emotionally shared memorable experiences from over 23 years at sea. The times he faced danger far out at sea left him deeply moved...

Lost in thought, Mr. Tam reminisced about his experiences facing strong storms and high waves: “The seafaring profession is fraught with danger, and storms are always a haunting nightmare for fishermen. Although I’ve faced many typhoons, perhaps Typhoon Conson (2010) and Typhoon Haiyan (2013) are the most terrifying to me to this day. Back then, the ship had only been at sea for a short time when it encountered a storm, so we sought refuge on Bach Long Vi Island. The raging storms, the torrential rain, and the terrifying waves crashing against the shore… left us utterly terrified. When the storm passed, the ship was damaged, and we returned empty-handed. Even so, we encouraged each other, saying, ‘As long as we’re alive, we have our belongings,’ and rallied our spirits to continue our work at sea.”

Before each fishing trip, Mr. Tâm always checks the machinery, equipment, and sleeping quarters to ensure a successful voyage.

Mr. Tam doesn't wish for anything extravagant, only for calm seas and gentle waves so that he and his fellow fishermen can return home safely. His gaze distant towards the sea, Mr. Tam shared: “Entering this year's southern fishing season, I have invested money in repairing and renovating the boat, as well as purchasing more modern equipment to ensure safer voyages. Hopefully, the weather will always be favorable so that we can continue to go out to sea, roaming every nautical mile to preserve our profession and protect the sea.”

After a night at sea, Mr. and Mrs. Nguyen Van Thien's boat returned at dawn.

Offshore fishing is arduous, but inshore fishing is no less challenging. Fishermen gamble their lives against the deep sea, risking their families' livelihoods with a taste of the ocean. This gamble is fraught with risk, and the fishing profession is as precarious as the waves.

Mr. Thien took the opportunity to rearrange his fishing nets after his fishing trip.

Taking a break after selling all the seafood he caught the night before, Mr. Nguyen Van Thien (born in 1967, Dong Ha 1 village, Thach Long commune, Thach Ha district) said: “I followed in my father's footsteps and have lived with the sea since I was 10 years old. For many years, the whole family has relied on my near-shore fishing trips. Around 4 pm, my wife and I prepare our fishing gear to go out to sea and return around 6 am the next morning to sell to traders. On normal days, after deducting expenses, we make a profit of a few hundred thousand to over 1 million dong. There are also days when we don't catch anything at all, not enough to cover the fuel costs.”

The fruits of a long day's labor for Mr. and Mrs. Thien.

Whether far from shore or near the coast, for the fishermen, besides the times when their boats are full of fish and shrimp, there are also times when the ships return with sighs of disappointment.

Therefore, for this year's southern fishing season, carrying the hope of a lucky harvest, Mr. Thien wished: "For fishermen, the boat is the 'foundation of their livelihood.' To have a smooth and successful southern fishing season, I have already refurbished my small boat and bought good fishing gear. I hope that the weather will be favorable so that this season will be a great one, providing a steady income, helping to stabilize my family's life, and allowing my wife and I to continue to work at sea with peace of mind."

Video : Mr. Thien shares his wish for a successful southern fishing season this year.

The sea is an integral part of our being.

Currently, the fishing activities of fishermen are receiving close attention from all levels of government and relevant agencies. Larger boats equipped with modern technology are being meticulously maintained. Fishermen remain steadfast in their love for the sea and their belief in the blessings from the ocean. For them, the sea is their home, their livelihood, and their national sovereignty. And, the sea is everything to them.

These boats have been modernized, enabling fishermen to readily set sail and continue their fishing activities.

While nimbly mending his fishing net in preparation for going out to sea, Mr. Nguyen Van Ha (born in 1963, Phuc Hai village, Cam Nhuong commune, Cam Xuyen district) confided: “For fishermen, ‘the boat is our home, the sea is our homeland.’ When the sea chose us, it became a part of our blood and flesh; going to sea is like being ingrained in our bones, we can’t not go. Above all, going out to sea is not only for making a living but also a responsibility to the sacred sovereignty of our Fatherland.”

Despite facing many difficulties, Mr. Ha remains determined to continue his life at sea.

Therefore, despite facing numerous dangers while at sea and despite repeated pleas from his wife and children to quit, Mr. Ha couldn't bring himself to do it. "My family still faces many difficulties, but my wife and children also want me to change professions because the seafaring job is precarious and full of dangers. They just want me to be safe so that they can still hear the voice of a husband and the presence of a father in the house."

The sea is an integral part of the lives of fishermen.

However, Mr. Ha's life has been intertwined with the sea for nearly 40 years, and he's not someone who can just give it up. Even though none of his children have followed in his footsteps, he remains determined to stay at sea. Mr. Ha confided: "I'm from a fishing village; my grandfather's and father's generations have also been connected to the sea. Therefore, when I go out to the vast ocean, it's like I see my grandfather, my father, and my old friends there. They always protect and support me under every deep wave in the distant sea."

After arduous voyages at sea, the bountiful harvest brings joy to fishermen and traders alike.

The people of the coastal villages often liken their two legs to one on shore and the other to treading on the waves far out at sea. From grandfather to father to son, from village to commune, the fishing profession has been passed down through many generations, forming fishing villages closely connected to the open sea.

When the sea is calm and generous, teeming with shrimp and fish, providing fishermen with full holds, they find some comfort. However, the rampant problem of trawling adds to the worries of the fishermen of Ha Tinh.

Before setting sail, Mr. Nang always carefully checks all the tools and equipment on the ship.

Mr. Nang hopes that the problem of trawling boats will be thoroughly addressed and that fishermen in Ha Tinh will have a successful southern fishing season.

Also deeply concerned about the sea, Mr. Vo Quang Nang (born in 1955, Xuan Bac village, Cam Nhuong commune) shared: “The southern fishing season is approaching, the biggest fishing season of the year. Therefore, besides hoping for favorable weather, I only hope that the trawling problem at sea will soon end so that the precious resources of the sea can continue to thrive. For us, the sea is everything. Preserving marine resources is also a way of showing love for Mother Nature.”

Looking out at the sea, Mr. Nang and the fishermen of Ha Tinh province hope that the sea will always be forgiving and protective of them on every voyage...

Fishermen like Mr. Tam, Mr. Thien, Mr. Ha, Mr. Nang, and countless other sons and daughters of the coastal village, were born and raised like pine trees swaying in the wind. They are strong and courageous. Even when the sea rages with huge waves, they remain determined to brave the harshness of nature and continue their livelihood at sea.

Text, photos, and videos: Anh Thùy

Presented by: Thanh Ha

1:03:04:20 23:08:25

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/nui-hong-song-la/nhung-ngu-dan-yeu-bien/246537.htm