Along with Sinh Ton, Song Tu Tay and Da Tay ports, the port at Truong Sa island is a solid support for the task of developing the marine economy in the Truong Sa archipelago. Stepping down from the fishing boats anchored in the port under the blazing sun of the sea, I was warmly welcomed by Mr. Le Xuan Du, captain of fishing boat NT 90228 TS as if we had known each other for a long time. Mr. Du and the crew members are all from Phuoc Dinh commune (Thuan Nam, Ninh Thuan), all have shiny skin, only their smiles are as white as the green grapes of their hometown. According to Mr. Du, each offshore trip lasts about 16 days on average, unless the boat has problems.
Each trip is usually carefully prepared but cannot always go smoothly, especially when encountering bad weather, having to take shelter. In the past, when we did not have ports, every time we heard about an impending storm, fishermen's boats had to run back to shore, which was costly and caused a lot of damage. Having a port is a place to anchor and rest, and at the same time provides logistics, technical and repair services when needed, so our fishermen benefit a lot, feel more secure going out to sea and sticking to the sea.
According to Captain Vu Hoang Tung, Commander of the Truong Sa Island Logistics and Technical Service Center, in just about a year, the unit has welcomed, guided, and helped more than 200 fishing boats enter the port (including 18 fishing boats bringing patients to the Truong Sa Island Medical Center for emergency treatment, and 254 fishermen coming to the island for medical examination and treatment), and at the same time presented 247,000 liters of fresh water to the people. In the first quarter of 2023 alone, the Center repaired 12 fishing boats of fishermen from Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Quang Ngai provinces... that were severely damaged; provided 215,000 liters of fresh water and presented 259 national flags to the people...
Visiting the factory with a fairly complete and modern equipment system and knowing that the staff of the Truong Sa Island Logistics and Technical Service Center are all highly skilled, I understand why fishermen are very happy and friendly when meeting soldiers. Lieutenant Colonel Tran Xuan Hoa added that since the beginning of the year, the Center has also focused on propagating and mobilizing fishermen to voluntarily and strictly implement regulations on preventing and combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing to contribute to the early removal of the European Commission's "yellow card" on Vietnam's seafood exports.
Not only is it a support point to help and support fishermen in exploiting and catching seafood in our country's waters, the officers and staff of the Truong Sa Island Logistics and Technical Service Center also regularly disseminate and strictly implement instructions and orders from above on training and combat readiness. Despite many difficulties due to the harsh climate, weather, and living and working conditions in remote seas and islands... and the overwhelming work of repairing ships and boats; supporting and helping fishermen in distress; preserving and using the system of facilities for ship docks, workshops, fishing villages... the officers and staff of the Truong Sa Island Logistics and Technical Service Center are always steadfast in their will, united in their efforts to fulfill their tasks well, contributing to affirming and firmly protecting the sovereignty of the sacred sea and islands of the Fatherland.
Visiting the port on Truong Sa island, I was extremely impressed by the affection and smiles of the soldiers and fishermen in the middle of the vast ocean.
Article and photos: HAI LINH
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