The blessing of the sea
On January 6th, at Ky Ha port (Tam Quang commune, Nui Thanh district, Quang Nam province), the atmosphere was more bustling than ever. Fishing boats docked one after another amid the joy of fishermen and their families. Laughter, calls to each other, and handshakes of congratulations filled the entire port.
Mr. Ho Xuan Tinh's fishing boat QNa 91156 TS was one of the first to dock after a trip across Tet. Departing on December 18 with 15 crew members, the boat welcomed the New Year in the Hoang Sa waters. The result of the nearly 20-day journey was 19 tons of grade 1 and grade 2 seafood, sold for more than 900 million VND. The boat owner earned more than 450 million VND, and each crew member received more than 20 million VND, after deducting expenses.
"A trip to the sea during Tet is always a meaningful trip. We not only bring back the first luck of the year from the sea but also start the new year with the belief in a favorable sea season.
Even though we are far from home, we still prepare cakes, jams, chicken, and banh chung together to have a warm Tet at sea," Mr. Tinh shared with radiant joy.
At the port, the reunion hugs of the fishing families after many days apart made the atmosphere even warmer. Ms. Tran Thi Bang could not hide her joy when seeing the fruits of her husband and children's labor: "I am happy that my husband and children are still healthy and safe, the sea is calm, the boat returns with a full hold of shrimp and fish, satisfying my longing every day."
Every fisherman is a milestone on the sea
Fisherman Vo Khac Vu, crew member of ship QNa 919235, also shared his happiness after a successful trip: "The catch was higher than expected, and the price of fish at the beginning of the year also increased. Mackerel was sold for 90,000 VND/kg, tuna for 80,000 VND/kg, after deducting expenses, each crew member received more than 30 million VND. This is truly a meaningful gift from the sea at the beginning of the year, a motivation for us to continue going out to sea."
Anh Thao added: "During Tet, Hoang Sa sea is bustling with fishing boats from purse seine, offshore squid fishing, trawling to gill nets and grab nets. Going to sea is not just a simple way to make a living, it is also a sacred mission of the children of the sea."
According to Phan Trinh - Chairman of the Fisheries Union of Tam Giang Commune, Nui Thanh District, the number of newly built fishing boats is increasing and they are equipped with more modern equipment such as horizontal detectors and voyage monitoring devices, helping fishing more effectively. Authorities at all levels and border guards always accompany and support fishermen to confidently stick to the sea.
During Tet, dozens of local fishing boats still go out to sea. The trip to sea during Tet brings "sea fortune" that not only helps fishermen earn high income, but also strengthens their confidence and maintains sovereignty over the sea and islands throughout the Tet holiday.
