Proactively prevent unusual storms at sea

Two weeks after the incident of a squid fishing boat sinking due to a tornado at sea, fisherman Phan Hong Dang (born in 1978), in Xuan Phu village, Ky Xuan commune, is still in shock.

Fisherman Phan Hong Dang (far right) recounts a terrifying incident while squid fishing at sea on the night of October 5.

Mr. Dang said that on the night of October 5, while fishing for squid in the sea a few nautical miles from shore, a violent tornado suddenly appeared. Although he promptly pulled anchor to avoid it, because the incident happened so quickly, his boat and the boats of two other fishermen in the commune were sunk in just a few minutes. After many hours of struggling with the waves, he was supported, rescued and brought to shore safely by the forces; the fishing boat and all the items on the boat were missing, with damage of nearly 100 million VND.

According to Dang, although he had encountered similar incidents several times, this was the first time he had encountered a tornado that came so quickly and with such intensity. Most small and medium sized boats, if caught in the eye of the tornado, would not be able to withstand its terrible wind force.

Ha Tinh currently has nearly 4,000 vessels with more than 10,000 workers involved in the seafaring profession.

Ha Tinh has 137 km of coastline stretching from Cua Hoi to Deo Ngang, vast fishing grounds, and abundant seafood resources. The whole province currently has nearly 4,000 vessels with more than 10,000 workers engaged in the seafaring profession.

The recent storms No. 5 and No. 10, along with a number of unusual storms, have affected over 200 fishing boats; of which nearly 100 have sunk, gone missing, or been completely damaged.

In Thien Cam commune alone, with a total of 222 boats, storms No. 5 and No. 10 damaged 45 boats, of which 31 were sunk or completely damaged, with an estimated total loss of more than 4 billion VND.

Many boats and fishing gear of fishermen in Thien Cam commune were damaged in storm No. 5.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Tue - Vice Chairman of Thien Cam Commune People's Committee, through the reality of natural disaster prevention activities in recent years, it shows that natural disasters are becoming more severe; extreme and unusual weather patterns are occurring more and more frequently and are more complicated. Therefore, in recent times, the commune has had many solutions to help fishermen gradually proactively prevent accidents and risks when fishing at sea, such as propaganda and warnings to help fishermen raise awareness and prevention skills.

Joint forces assisted in bringing a fishing boat of fishermen from Thien Cam that was sunk by waves ashore.

In addition to the attention and efforts of localities, in the face of increasingly complex and unpredictable developments of extreme natural disasters at sea, border posts and stations in Ha Tinh sea areas have also proactively increased coordination with local authorities, organized propaganda and early warning work for fishermen.

Through the system of controlling ships going out to sea, it helps fishermen to promptly grasp weather information, raise awareness of natural disaster prevention, and contribute to ensuring safety for people and vehicles during the process of exploiting and catching seafood.

Mr. Tran Dinh Tung, a fisherman in Hai Ninh ward, shared: “The weather and storms are becoming more and more unusual, making people very worried every time they go out to sea. Fortunately, we are not alone. When at home, people are regularly informed, instructed, warned by local authorities and border guards, and equipped with knowledge on natural disaster prevention; and when incidents occur at sea, the forces organize timely rescue.”

Fisherman Tran Dinh Tung was instructed on safety measures by the leader of Ky Khang Border Guard Station before going to sea.

Lieutenant Colonel Dang Quang Huong - Deputy Head of Ky Khang Border Guard Station said: "Currently, the weather situation at sea is changing very quickly, storms, tropical depressions, tornadoes, and monsoons occur more frequently and are more unpredictable. Ky Khang Border Guard Station clearly identifies the important task of accompanying fishermen not only in economic development but also in ensuring the safety of life and property in seafood exploitation activities".

In addition to information and early warning work, the unit also organizes inspections and counts of vessels, regularly updates the number of vehicles operating at sea to grasp the situation. When there is a natural disaster, the station coordinates to call vessels to shore, instructs them to anchor in the right place, and ensures safety.

In addition, the unit also focuses on training evacuation and rescue skills for fishermen; supporting the provision of communication equipment and life jackets; and participating in rescue operations when incidents occur. Each border guard officer always considers the safety of fishermen as their own relatives.

Propaganda and guidance work is considered the top priority solution to help fishermen proactively avoid natural disasters and limit risks when fishing at sea.

Climate change causes many extreme weather patterns. In addition, the need for livelihood has also made many fishermen subjective and not pay attention to prevention measures, leading to accidents at sea.

To minimize risks, in addition to the involvement of the government and functional forces, it is necessary to be proactive from the fishermen themselves. In particular, regularly monitor weather information, prepare full safety equipment and absolutely do not go to sea when there is a natural disaster warning.