Ferryman's job at Yen Hoa ferry terminal

(Baonghean) - While bridges are being built every day, a profession that has long been familiar to the local people is gradually disappearing - the profession of ferryman.

In the entire Con Cuong district, there are now only a few ferry crossings left. On the muddy river at the Yen Hoa ferry crossing (Lang Khe commune, Con Cuong), Quang Van Hai strained to push the boat forward, then jumped into the engine compartment to start it.

Contrary to many people's perceptions of the profession of boatman, in mountainous districts like Anh Son, Con Cuong, and Tuong Duong, it is a far from simple job, always fraught with significant risks.

Push the boat away from the dock.

The boat was full of people and vehicles.

Help passengers climb the hill.

The boatman's cooking utensils are right at the dock.

He never takes a day off; whenever there are customers, Mr. Hai takes them across the river. He rests at night, but in special cases such as illness requiring hospitalization or an urgent need to cross the river, he is always willing to serve.

The ferry terminal that Mr. Hai is currently operating is the new one, while the old Yen Hoa terminal is located further downstream, about 1km away (the old terminal was damaged by landslides and is situated on a road that is inconvenient for local residents to travel on)...

Each flood season, each tide on the river, presents a different situation. Hai recounts that on some mornings, when many students are going to school, the ferry's engine breaks down in the middle of the river, causing panic among the students. In such situations, he has to quickly get to the front, grab the oar with his hand, and push with all his might to correct the direction and bring the ferry to shore. During the rainy season and storms, the river rages as if it wants to engulf the ferry in a sea of ​​water. In such times, Hai has to "run" the ferry along the bank, more than 100 meters from the dock, before daring to "steer" to the other side.

The ferry is now equipped with lifebuoys such as life vests and other life-saving devices. However, on some days when the water rises too high, Mr. Hai has to stop operating the ferry, and the entire Yen Hoa village has to refrain from crossing the river!

Ho Phuong