Sand clogs seaports, causes trouble for fishermen

Quang Binh (VNA) - Sand has been clogging many seaports in the central province of Quang Binh, posing difficulties for thousands of local fishermen.

The situation poses high risks for nearly 5,000 fishing ships to be caught on a shoal when arriving and departing from the ports.

Nhat Le seaport, which has served as a storm shelter for thousands of fishing ships of Quang Binh and neighbouring provinces for many years, is one of the ports being filled up with sand.

Nguyen Cong Hoan, a fisherman from Bao Ninh commune in Dong Hoi city, told Dan Viet newspaper that fishermen like him met many difficulties after the port got clogged. Ships easily run aground when arriving or departing from the port, particularly in heavy rains and fog and at night, he said.

The Chairman of Bao Ninh commune’s Farmers’ Association, Nguyen Thanh Binh, said more than 30 ships went aground at the seaport annually in recent years. Some ships were saved. But many ships were broken, after being hit by strong waves or being buried in sand, he said.

Fishermen must often wait for the rising tide to help ships arrive or depart from the port.

Another big seaport that faces the same situation is Roon seaport in Quang Trach district, which is home to nearly 1,000 fishing ships. More than 50 ships were caught on a shoal at the port over the past two years.

Ly Hoa port in Bo Trach district has also been clogged, causing many difficulties for local fishermen.

The situation started in 2003. It has become worse over the years. Now around 300 high-capacity fishing vessels are unable to dock at the port. Most of these high-capacity ships have to dock at safer, more convenient ports in other districts or localities, causing waste of time and money.

After local authorities hired ships to remove the sand, conditions improved for a short while. But the seaport was clogged with sand again after strong wind and waves.-VNA