For me, a Navy soldier, the patrol along the Vietnam-Indonesia maritime demarcation line by ship 98273 of the 2nd Naval Region on June 3, 2025, was a very emotional voyage. During that voyage, amidst the rough seas, we soldiers were both guarding sovereignty and rescuing fishermen, accompanying them every step of the way on the ocean.
Mission without gunfire
That morning, while patrolling the demarcation line, we received a signal from the fishing vessel KH96525TS from Khanh Hoa province, captained by Mr. Huynh Van Dan, reporting a fisherman had suffered a work-related accident. Immediately, our vessel changed course to provide assistance.
To prepare for emergency medical situations at sea, medical supplies such as antiseptics, anesthetics, needles, thread, bandages, etc., are fully prepared and placed on a small table in the ship's corridor, ready for any situation.
Upon approaching the fishing boat, we identified the injured fisherman as Mr. Nguyen Thanh Minh (from Khanh Hoa province), who had sustained a head injury while working. The wound was long, running across the top of his head, and bleeding profusely, causing Mr. Minh considerable pain.
The image shows the medical team of ship 98273 - Region 2 of the Navy providing emergency medical assistance to fisherman Nguyen Thanh Minh from fishing vessel KH96525TS.
The emergency occurred amidst rough seas, with waves crashing violently against the ship's hull. We positioned the patient leaning against the railing for balance and proceeded with first aid. Doctor Hanh, a member of the medical team, spread his legs wide in a V-shape, bent his knees, and tensed his toes, gripping tightly onto his military-supplied sandals for better stability. I stood beside him, also ready to keep both of us steady against the raging waves.
Treating and stitching wounds is no easy task, especially given the violent rocking of the ship. Despite the rough seas, Doctor Hanh remained calm and carefully treated the patient's wounds. After nearly an hour, Mr. Minh's condition gradually stabilized.
Mr. Minh and his wife have three young children, and their entire family depends on his trips abroad. Hearing his story, we were all deeply moved, but time didn't allow us to stay too long. After checking his blood pressure and heart rate, and seeing that Mr. Minh's condition had stabilized, Dr. Hanh continued to provide more medication and medical supplies for wound care, while also giving detailed instructions on how to care for him. Before leaving, I quickly took two packs of milk from the military medical kit and gave them to Mr. Minh.
The story of rescuing fisherman Minh reminds me of the rescue of fisherman Danh Linh from the fishing vessel BT8777TS during the Lunar New Year of 2022. At that time, the waves were high and the wind strong. Fisherman Linh was seriously injured, had lost a lot of blood, showed signs of heatstroke, vomiting, and fainted. It took two hours for him to recover from the critical condition. And this time, it was Doctor Hanh again who treated the fisherman in distress.
There were no gunshots, no tense chases or collisions with foreign ships, but for us, rescuing people at sea was also a battle. A battle against the waves, dangers, and time. We called it "the silent combat mission."
Accompanying you on every inch of the sea.
For naval soldiers, fishermen are companions. It's not just about rescuing people in distress; we also have the responsibility of bringing the law to the fishermen. Some days, after stitching up wounds in the morning, we have to go back onto fishing boats in the afternoon to distribute flags and propaganda materials.
Every morning, we use our radios to greet the fishermen, keeping track of the situation and counting which boats are heading out to sea and which have returned. For boats we can't reach via radio, we try every means to contact them or gather information. Many nights, when foreign law enforcement vessels are operating near the area, the soldiers take turns warning the fishermen.
The Propaganda Team of ship 98273 - Naval Region 2 presented flags, medical supplies, and some essential food items to fishermen.
During our patrol on June 3rd, after rescuing fisherman Minh, we received information that foreign military and law enforcement vessels were operating near the demarcation line. Immediately, we mobilized for patrols, providing support and guidance to the fishermen. Upon approaching fishing vessel BV95437TS in the area, we lowered our boat to visit them, bringing with us the national flag, some gourds, and a few green vegetables as gifts for the fishermen.
We were greeted by Mr. Ho Than Phong (from Ho Chi Minh City), the captain of fishing vessel BV95437TS. Mr. Phong, a true seafarer, was tall, dark-skinned, and had a booming voice. He said meeting the Navy soldiers was like meeting family, making him forget all the hardships of the sea and wind. "We will absolutely comply, you can rest assured," Mr. Phong said.
After inspecting the fishing vessel BV95437TS, we continued a short distance and encountered the fishing vessel of Mr. Thai Anh Trong (from Vinh Long province), captain of the BT92747TS. Since we had inspected it the day before, we didn't board but stopped and contacted him via radio, informing him of the situation with the foreign vessel and inquiring about everyone's well-being. With his gentle, Southern accent still emanating from the radio, Mr. Trong said, "Don't worry, guys, it's our sea, so we'll sail it." Despite saying that, Captain Trong steered his vessel north of the demarcation line as instructed. Only when his vessel sailed away did we feel reassured and depart.
We continued our journey to find fishing boats flying the red flag with a yellow star to spread awareness and encourage participation. The flags we presented to the fishermen represent a source of national pride. In the vast ocean, the red flag with a yellow star is a sacred symbol, a landmark affirming the sovereignty of our country's seas and islands.
As evening approached and the last rays of sunlight peeked from behind the clouds, the scorching heat subsided. A cool breeze seemed to dispel the weariness and fatigue of a long sea voyage.
Scan the QR code: Rules for the writing contest on sovereignty
Source: https://nld.com.vn/sac-do-thieng-lieng-giua-bien-196251011205741918.htm
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