ICOM radio device installed in a fishing boat (Photo: VNA) Ben Tre (VNA) – As many as 32 fishing boats with a capacity under 90CV in the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre were fitted with ICOM radio devices, which help fishermen get in touch with the mainland in case any contingency occurs during offshore fishing operations.
The devices, worth nearly 400 million VND (17,960 USD), were handed over by the Vietnam Red Cross chapter in Ben Tre province under the programme “East Sea Connectivity”.
According to Huynh Van Cong, President of the provincial chapter, the devices will ensure smooth communications with the mainland while helping fishermen keep close track on weather forecasts and news related to their benefits and rights.
Initiated by the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Vietnam Red Cross, Radio the Voice of Vietnam and Vietnam Television, the programme calls for domestic and foreign aid to equip all fishermen nationwide with telecommunications devices.
Ben Tre province has 65 kilometres of coastline and is home to 3,650 fishing vessels, including 1,700 offshore fishing boats. Equipping vessels with ICOM radio devices will encourage fishermen to continue in their traditional fishing areas and help protect national sea and island sovereignty.-VNA
