Visiting Truong Sa during calm sea season.

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - During a sea voyage in mid-May, Dan Tri reporters captured the latest images of the lives of soldiers in Truong Sa island district and the DK1 platform.

Off

In May, with calm seas, Cam Ranh naval port ( Khanh Hoa province ) is bustling with activity as it sees off passenger ships heading to the Truong Sa archipelago. The photo shows transport ship 571 carrying the 20th working group to visit the islands of Song Tu Tay, Sinh Ton Dong, Len Dao, Da Tay C, Truong Sa Lon, and the DK1 platform.

After about 30 hours of sea travel, tourists caught sight of the first island in the Spratly Islands (Song Tu Tay Island). Many could not hide their emotions upon witnessing firsthand Vietnam's sovereign island in the vast ocean.

At the smaller islands, ship 571 will anchor at a distance, and tourists will use motorboats to travel to the island.

An Bang is the most difficult island to access due to frequent rough seas. The photo shows a boat that had just arrived at the island but was immediately pushed back away by the waves. The first encounter between the island soldiers and visitors from the mainland is not a scene of warm greetings; instead, it is one of tension and intense concentration as they strive to safely bring the boat to the island.

The photo shows Len Dao Reef, a submerged reef belonging to Sinh Ton commune, Truong Sa district, Khanh Hoa province. This reef was originally part of the Gac Ma - Con Lin - Len Dao cluster, which witnessed the naval battle on March 14, 1988, between the Vietnam People's Navy and the Chinese Navy, resulting in the deaths of 64 Vietnamese officers and soldiers. After the battle, China illegally occupied Gac Ma Reef, while Vietnam retained Con Lin and Len Dao Reefs. The photo shows Len Dao Reef with Gac Ma Reef in the distance.

The DK1 16 platform (Phuc Tan B platform) is under the management of the 2nd Naval Region.

A panoramic view of Truong Sa Island (also known as Truong Sa Lon). This is the largest island in the Truong Sa archipelago. During the voyage of ship 571, this was also the only island where the ship was able to dock directly at the pier, without needing to use motorboats to transfer passengers.

A skilled marksman guarding the seas and skies.

During our voyage through five islands and one offshore platform, the most impressive image for us was that of the soldiers in their duty postures, ready to fight to protect the sovereignty of the Fatherland. The photo shows a naval soldier standing guard at the sovereignty marker on Truong Sa Island.

Vietnamese naval soldiers stand guard on Da Tay C, Song Tu Tay, Len Dao islands and the DK1 16 platform.

The delegation from the mainland had the opportunity to experience the flag-raising ceremony and troop review on the runway of Truong Sa Island.

Naval soldiers on Da Tay C Island.

Moments of reflection

After visiting Len Dao Reef, the delegation gathered on the deck to hold a memorial ceremony for the officers and soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the cause of protecting the sovereignty of the nation's seas and islands.

With the illegally occupied Gac Ma Island as a backdrop, the officer delivering the speech recalled the sacrifice of 64 martyrs of the Vietnam People's Navy in the 1988 naval battle. The memorial ceremony was the most poignant moment of the entire voyage. Many members of the delegation could not hold back their tears as they thought of the martyrs who perished at sea, whose remains have yet to be found.

After offering incense, each person held a chrysanthemum flower and a paper crane in their hand, preparing for the flower-releasing ceremony in remembrance.

A raft of flowers commemorating the martyrs was set adrift on the waves.

Everyday moments

The photo shows a group of children on Song Tu Tay Island. The island has a primary school and kindergarten to ensure educational opportunities for young children. After completing 5th grade, the children will return to the mainland to continue their secondary education.

Mr. Phan Ngoc An and Ms. Nguyen Thi Lo are a married couple with twin children residing on Song Tu Tay Island.

These children live on Truong Sa Lon Island.

Dinh Hang Nga, a female artist from the Vietnam Cheo Theatre, along with her colleagues, performed the play "Ly Truong - Me Dop" on An Bang Island, bringing much laughter to the soldiers stationed there.