The feelings of people clinging to the waves
In the last days of December, Tan Son fishing port (Thai Thuy commune, Hung Yen province) has an unusual rhythm. No longer the scene of ships and boats connecting to go to sea, no longer the sound of engines urging, but instead the image of ships quietly docking, fishermen starting to collect nets, clean boat compartments, and maintain machinery. The sea is still salty and windy, waves are still crashing against the shore, but people's hearts have turned to the mainland - to Tet.
From around December 22-23 of the lunar calendar, Thai Thuy commune fishermen simultaneously ended the last sea trip of the year. This is the time to close a long-term labor cycle, closing the years of sticking to the sea to earn a living to prepare for the days of reunion.
Fisherman Trinh Quang Vinh (people's group No. 6, Thai Thuy commune) - who has been attached to the fishing profession for many years shared: "My family goes to sea from my ancestors' generation. Every year around the 23rd of Tet, brothers and sisters collect tools, mend nets, maintain machines, end the last trip of the year to return home for Tet. Everyone wants to go home, sit at a meal with their family after a whole year of drifting.
According to Mr. Vinh, the last sea trip of the year always carries more emotions than other trips. No longer production pressure, no longer worrying about unusual storms, but the longing to return. "Coming to the wharf, setting foot on the shore, I feel light. That feeling is hard to describe, only long-time seafarers understand. Seeing the shore is seeing Tet" - he said.
Tan Son fishing port in the days leading up to Tet appears with very typical images of the coastal village: people patching nets, people painting ships, people cleaning engines, people tying anchor ropes. The smell of engine oil blends with the smell of sea fish, mixed with the Tet scent from street vendors selling cakes, fruits, and hometown gifts. The atmosphere of slow but warm labor creates a very unique picture of the year-end sea area.
For Thai Thuy fishermen, returning to shore for Tet is a special spiritual value. After a whole year away from home, Tet is a rare time for them to live fully in family space, to be husbands, fathers, and true children. The sea temporarily recedes, giving way to a warm kitchen, a family meal and reunion laughter.
A foothold at the estuary
Accompanying fishermen throughout the process of ending the year-end sea trip is the Diem Dien Port Border Guard Station (Thai Thuy commune). At the time of Tet, ships and boats gather at the wharf, the risk of unsafety, fire and explosion, and loss of security and order in the seaport area increases, so duty, control, and support are strictly implemented.
Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Chi Minh - Head of Diem Dien Port Border Guard Station said: "The end of the year is the peak period when fishing boats dock. We maintain 24/24 hour duty, strengthen vehicle inspection, guide fishermen to anchor safely, arrange wharf areas, and at the same time ensure security and order, fire and explosion prevention, and protect people's property during Tet.
Not only stopping at management work, the border guard force also directly supports fishermen in technical work, maritime safety, communication, and handling incidents.
Throughout the year, border guards are a regular support for fishermen whenever they encounter difficulties at sea, from machinery malfunctions, bad weather to situations requiring urgent support.
“Fishermen are the most frequent force sticking to the sea. The safety of people is also the stability of the sea area. Therefore, our task is not only to manage, but to accompany, support, and create a support for fishermen to feel secure in doing business at sea” - Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Chi Minh shared.
Fisherman Trinh Quang Vinh also affirmed: "Offshore, border guards are like family. When ships encounter problems, when the weather is bad, brothers contact and support in time. With you, people are more assured to stick to the sea.
The atmosphere of the fishing port in the last days of the year is therefore not only the scene of ships anchoring, but also the space of military-civilian solidarity. Early Tet greetings, handshakes, and simple questions between soldiers and fishermen create a very natural and strong bond.
Tet with Thai Thuy fishermen does not take place on the waves, but is a moment of return. Returning to family, to the home, to a warm meal. But behind that peace is a whole year of persistently sticking to the sea, long sea trips, and the quiet companionship of border guards at the sea gate.
