According to records, on the morning of October 30, hundreds of people in the rain gathered in the Nguyen Tat Thanh sea area (Lien Chieu ward) to watch the burial ceremony of whale, a fish that is venerated by fishermen along the coast as a guardian god in the open sea.
Previously, at around 9:30 p.m. on October 29, people discovered a large whale straying, lying close to the edge of the water along Nguyen Tat Thanh beach, through Nam O ward. Immediately afterwards, many local fishermen quickly gathered, burned incense according to customs, expressing their condolences to the "protection god" at sea.
Mr. Nguyen Hoa, a fisherman, said that Ong fish has long been considered by fishermen as a protective god in the open ocean. When encountering Ong fish, fishermen always bow their heads, considering it a kindness to save their lives. If the whale accidentally washed ashore, the villagers would hold a proper burial, considering it a way to express gratitude and pray for peace on every trip to sea, said Mr. Hoa.
On the morning of October 30, the Lien Chieu ward government coordinated with authorities and elders in the coastal village to organize a burial ceremony, bringing Ong fish to shore to bury according to local customs, and at the same time implementing measures to ensure environmental hygiene.
An elderly fisherman said that the whale drifting ashore is considered a peaceful thing. "When Ong was going to the shore, fishermen like me considered it a sacred gift. He chose this place to live in, that is, he will bless the fishing village with peace and business prospects. Therefore, it is necessary to burn incense and do a thoughtful ceremony," he said.
