When dawn breaks at the estuary, that is the time when the boats full of shrimp and fish return. Behind those boats are the stories of life, work and aspirations for the future of Ha Tinh fishermen.
When dawn breaks at the estuary, that is the time when the boats full of shrimp and fish return. Behind those boats are the stories of life, work and aspirations for the future of Ha Tinh fishermen.
Calm waves, calm sea
For generations, fishermen have always attached their fate to the waves and winds of the ocean. Facing danger and hardship at the forefront of the waves and winds, it seems that their salty sweat and tears have blended into the salty taste of the ocean. In the middle of that vast ocean, fishermen only have one wish: to pray for calm waves, calm seas, and for their boats to return with full holds of shrimp and fish.
Every time they go out to sea, Ha Tinh fishermen always pray for calm waves and calm seas.
Meeting Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tam (born in 1980, Son Bang village, Thach Kim commune, Loc Ha) when the boat had just arrived at Cua Sot fishing port after nearly 3 weeks of fishing at Bach Long Vi island (Hai Phong), we heard him tell stories about the far sea.
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tam (brown shirt) and crew members prepare hooks for the upcoming squid fishing trip.
With a weather-beaten face and a skin that smells of the salty sea, few people would think that Mr. Tam is only in his 40s. Mr. Tam shared: “I have been working at sea since I was 20 years old, and have been drifting on the waves for 23 years. Before, I worked as a crew member on large ships in the area to go fishing. More than 10 years ago, my family saved up some capital to invest in a new 200 CV ship, and I became the boss myself, going out to sea. Although I know that the seafaring profession is difficult in many ways, I was born in a coastal area, and if I didn’t go to sea, I wouldn’t know what to do.”
Mr. Tam emotionally shared memorable memories after more than 23 years at sea. The times he faced dangers far out at sea made Mr. Tam unable to hold back his tears...
Lost in thought, Mr. Tam recalled the times he faced big storms and big waves: “The dangerous job of going to sea is always lurking, storms are always a haunting fear for fishermen. Although we had to face many storms, perhaps storms Conson (2010) and Haiyan (2013) are the most haunting to me until now. At that time, the ship had just set sail not long before encountering a storm, we took shelter on Bach Long Vi island. The storms, the pouring rains or the terrible waves hitting the shore… made us terrified. When the storm passed, the ship was damaged, we returned empty-handed. However, we encouraged each other “as long as we have people, we have property” and pulled ourselves together to continue sticking to the sea.”
Before each sea trip, Mr. Tam always checks the machinery, equipment as well as the place to eat and sleep to have a smooth trip.
Mr. Tam does not wish for anything far-fetched, he only hopes that the sea will be calm and the waves will be calm so that he and the fishermen can return safely. Looking far away towards the sea, Mr. Tam shared: “Entering the southern fishing season this year, I have invested money to repair and renovate the boat as well as buy more modern equipment to ensure safer trips at sea. Hopefully, the weather will always support the fishermen so that we can continue to go out to sea, roaming every nautical mile to preserve our profession and preserve the sea.”
After a night drifting at sea, Mr. Nguyen Van Thien and his wife's boat returned at dawn.
Offshore fishing is hard work, but nearshore fishing is also full of hardships. Fishermen bet their lives on the deep sea, and their families on a meal that tastes salty from the sea. That bet is full of risks, and the fishing profession is as unstable as the waves.
Mr. Thien took the opportunity to rearrange the fishing nets after the sea trip.
Taking advantage of the moments of rest after selling all the seafood he caught last night, Mr. Nguyen Van Thien (born in 1967, Dong Ha 1 village, Thach Long commune, Thach Ha) said: “I have followed my father’s career and lived with the sea since I was 10 years old. For many years, my whole family has relied on my trips to the sea near the shore. Every day at around 4pm, my wife and I prepare our fishing gear to go out to sea and return at around 6am the next morning to sell to traders in time. On normal days, after deducting expenses, we make a profit of several hundred thousand to more than 1 million VND. There are also days when we don’t catch anything, not enough to cover the fuel cost.”
The results of a long day's work of Mr. Thien and his wife.
Whether far from shore or near shore, for fishermen, in addition to the times when the boat's hold is full of fish and shrimp, there are also times when the boat returns with a sigh.
Therefore, in this year's southern fishing season, carrying the hope of a lucky harvest, Mr. Thien wished: "For fishermen, the boat is the "capital of their career". To have a smooth southern fishing season, I have quickly refurbished the small boat and purchased good fishing gear. Hopefully, the weather will be favorable for this season to be a big success, with a steady income, helping the family's life to be more stable, so that my wife and I can continue to confidently stick to the sea".
Video: Mr. Thien shares his wish for a successful fish harvest this year.
The sea is part of our flesh and blood.
Currently, the fishermen’s going out to sea has been closely monitored by authorities at all levels and specialized sectors. Large boats with modern technological equipment are well equipped. Fishermen still have a steadfast love for the sea, still believe in the graces from the sea. For them, the sea is home, a place to make a living, the country’s sovereignty. And, the sea is their everything.
The boats are invested in modernly, helping fishermen ready to go out to sea.
While nimbly weaving the net to prepare for going out to sea, Mr. Nguyen Van Ha (born in 1963, Phuc Hai village, Cam Nhuong commune, Cam Xuyen) confided: “For fishermen, “the boat is home, the sea is homeland”. When the sea profession chose us, the sea became a part of our flesh and blood, going to sea was like being absorbed into our feet, if we didn’t go, we wouldn’t be able to. Above all, going to sea is not only to make a living but also a responsibility to the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland”.
Despite many difficulties, Mr. Ha still decided to stick to the sea.
Therefore, although he has encountered many dangers while drifting at sea, his wife and children have advised him to quit his job many times, but Mr. Ha cannot bear it. “My family still has many difficulties, but my wife and children also want me to change jobs, because the sea is an unstable and dangerous job. They just want me to be safe so that the family can still have the reputation of a husband and a father.”
The sea is part of the flesh and blood of fishermen.
However, Mr. Ha has been attached to the sea for nearly 40 years, and he cannot give it up just like that. Although none of his children follow in his father's footsteps, he is determined to stick with the sea. Mr. Ha confided: "I am a fisherman, and my grandfather and father's lives were also attached to the sea. Therefore, when I go out to the vast ocean, I feel like I can see my grandfather, my father, and my old friends there. They always protect and support me under each deep wave in the open sea."
After a hard sea trip, the full "blessings" of the sea are the joy of fishermen and traders.
The fishermen often compare their two legs, one on the shore, one kicking the waves far out at sea. From grandfather to father, from son to son, from village to commune, the fishing profession is passed down through many generations, forming fishing villages attached to the sea.
When the sea is calm and generous, the sea is full of shrimp and fish, giving fishermen full holds, they are somewhat comforted. However, with the rampant problem of trawlers, the fishermen of Ha Tinh have more worries.
Before setting sail, Mr. Nang always carefully checks the tools and equipment on the ship.
Mr. Nang hopes that the problem of trawlers will be thoroughly handled and that Ha Tinh fishermen will have a successful fishing season.
Also carrying many thoughts about the sea, Mr. Vo Quang Nang (born in 1955, Xuan Bac village, Cam Nhuong commune) shared: “Entering the southern fish season, the biggest exploitation season of the year. Therefore, besides praying for favorable weather, I just hope that the trawler problem at sea will soon end so that the precious resources of the sea can continue to grow. For us, the sea is everything. Preserving marine resources is also a way to show love for Mother Nature.”
Looking out to sea, Mr. Nang and the fishermen of Ha Tinh hope that the sea will always be tolerant and protect them on every voyage...
Fishermen like Mr. Tam, Mr. Thien, Mr. Ha, Mr. Nang, and many other children of the sea village were born and raised like casuarina trees in the wind. They are strong and courageous. Even though there are times when the sea is angry and has big waves, they are still determined to brave the harshness of nature to continue to stick to the sea.
Article, photos, videos: Anh Thuy
Presented by: Thanh Ha
1:03:04:2023:08:25
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