In recent days, a large number of local offshore fishing vessels, fullof fish and squid, have docked at Tho Quang fishing wharf in thecentral city of Da Nang after their trips to the Hoang Sa and TruongSa fishing grounds.
According to the Da Nang Today online, m anylocal fishermen said that they felt very happy with their bumpercatches, and are grateful for the concern and support they have receivedfrom everyone in the mainland areas during their trips.
NguyenVan Bay, a local fisherman, said that he received numerous phone callsfrom his family and friends whilst his boat was operating near thelocation where China illegally positioned its drilling rig.
He was urged to be cautious of the possibility of China’s aggressiveactions, and to keep calm to avoid confrontations with Chinese ships.
He was also advised that if his boat was chased or rammed byChinese ships, he should report the incident to those who are fulfillinglaw enforcement missions at sea, and other local fishing boatsoperating nearby, for immediate assistance.
Bay said that he and 15 crew members are now busy making preparations for their next trip to the Hoang Sa waters.
The city’s Fishery Association has been actively involved inpublicising the ongoing situation in the East Sea amongst the generalpublic.
The authorised Chairman of the Association, TranVan Linh, strongly affirmed that the more difficulties local fishermenencounter, the more courageous they are. The strong-willed fishermenalways keep in their minds that their fishing trips are conducted forthe purpose of earning a living to support their families, and tosafeguard the nation’s sovereignty over its sea and islands.
On May 15 afternoon, six large-capacity offshore fishing vesselsfrom Hai Chau d istrict left for Hoang Sa fishing grounds.
Many of Da Nang’s fishermen said that their next offshore fishing tripsto the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa waters could result in dangeroussituations. This is due to China’s illegal placement of the drillingrig, and its aggressive actions in Viet n am’s exclusive economic zone.
However, the fishermen are maintaining their determinedspirit to continue fishing activities in the country’s waters despitethe current difficulties.-VNA