Nghe An fishermen overcome difficulties, go to sea after storm

This morning, at Cua Lo fishing port, hundreds of fishermen are rushing to load supplies, nets, fishing gear and ice boxes onto their boats. The sound of oil pumps, people calling to each other, mixed with happy laughter after long days of having to stay ashore to avoid the storm.

Mr. Phung Ba Hung, a crew member, shared: “Luckily, after the storm, our boat was not damaged. As soon as the province issued an urgent dispatch allowing us to set sail from 5am this morning, August 27, the ship owner informed everyone to prepare. Working at sea, every day off means a loss of income, so everyone is looking forward to setting sail. Now that the order has been given, everyone is excited, just hoping for favorable seas and a full hold of fish and shrimp.”

While many large ships prepare for a trip of several days, small ships take advantage of the opportunity to fish close to shore. Mr. Nguyen Trong Ha, a fisherman in Cua Lo ward, said: “This morning, my wife and I woke up early to prepare fishing gear and drinking water. We will set sail at around 10am and return around 3-4pm. The trip is not long, but if we are lucky, we will still have extra income to make up for the days off due to the storm.”

However, due to widespread power outages, many ice production facilities are not operating, leading to a shortage of ice for preserving seafood. Some ship owners have to travel far to buy ice from Thanh Hoa province, or even further, and then hire refrigerated trucks to transport it back in time for their sea trips.

The owner of the NS 91207 TS ship, residing in Quynh Mai ward, said: “After the storm, there is usually a lot of seafood, so my 6 crew members and I took the opportunity to check the ship and replenish fuel to leave the port immediately. But the biggest difficulty is the lack of ice. I have to buy it from Thanh Hoa province, the cost increases but I still have to bear it, because if we delay the departure by one day, the crew members will have no income.”

The lack of fresh water has also made life difficult for fishermen. Many boats have had to buy water from portable tanks, which cost one and a half times more than usual. In addition, the prices of necessities for long sea trips have increased. However, no one is discouraged.

Mr. Nguyen Van Nam, owner of fishing boat NA 9266 TS residing in Tan Mai ward, shared: “After several days of avoiding the storm, the boat was stranded on shore, I was very anxious. Yesterday, I had the workers check the electrical system, machinery, and maintenance to ensure the safety of the boat. This morning, despite difficulties with water, ice, and oil that had to be purchased from many places, which was more expensive, I was still determined to let the boat go out to sea. It is expected to arrive at the port in 4 days. Hopefully the first sea trip after the storm will be successful, making up for some of the costs.”

Not only fishermen, many seafood processing establishments are also looking forward to the first sea trip after the storm. Ms. Nguyen Thi Huyen, owner of a processing establishment in Cua Lo ward, excitedly said: “There are many customers ordering for the Full Moon Festival and National Day holiday. Fresh seafood and processed goods have both increased orders. We just hope that this trip will be smooth for fishermen, bringing a lot of fish and shrimp to both supply the market and ensure production.”

Mr. Ho Xuan Huong - Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Quynh Mai Ward, said: "During the storm, the association coordinated to mobilize people to anchor safely. After the order to open the sea, fishermen are busy repairing boats, replenishing fuel and food. The whole ward has more than 500 fishing boats, so far basically all are safe and many boats have set sail on the morning of August 27."

Despite many difficulties from electricity, water to ice and fuel, Nghe An fishermen are determined to overcome them and seize the opportunity to go out to sea as soon as the sea opens. For them, the storm is a new opportunity. After days of drifting to avoid storms, each trip to sea is filled with the hope of a full hold of shrimp and fish, and the fishermen will have more income.