For over 35 years sticking to the sea,, fisherman Le Dung, a resident of Thanh Khe Dong Ward, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang, is not only known as a skilled fisherman but also a "leader" of the solidarity movement that aims to foster solidarity and mutual support among local fishermen, thereby engaging them in protecting the sovereignty of the nation’s sea and islands.

Captain Le Dung has taken long trips out to sea for many years. Photo: D.Q

Being born and raised in a fishing family, Le Dung has inherited fishing experiences from his grandfather and father.

He shared: “ I started to head out to sea when I was only 13 years old. Deep sea fishing requires a great deal of practice, skill and physical strength. In the past, fishermen were in privation that we didn’t have I-com equipment, fish finders or simply a walkie-talkie to call, text like today. Therefore, each fisher had to accumulate experiences to overcome these challenges …”

With his diligence, a thirst for knowledge along with his ancestral teachings and family traditions, Mr. Dung gradually claimed himself with his skillful experience.  Five years after Dung has taken deep see fishing trips, he could steer a fishing vessel.

At the age of 20, he took the helm of his father's boat, and became an seasoned captain, persistently sailing far away from coast.

He understands channel markers for boating, and markers of the nation's maritime sovereignty to  safeguard the nation's maritime sovereignty. Thus, he finds it very convenient for his deep sea fishing job, and he always returns with a bumper catch of fish and shrimp, helping bring stable income to him and his crew. While conducting offshore fishing trips, he is active in participating in a solidarity team, supporting other fishing boats to operate effectively at sea. Furthermore, he strictly obeys the national fishing regulations, and does not violate foreign waters. Besides, he and his crew have successfully conducted rescue operations to help those in distress at sea.

From a 90HP boat inherited from his father, Mr. Dung borrowed money from his friends and relatives  in order to allow him to upgrade his father’s boat into a 420-500HP fishing vessel. His dedication and hard work paid off, and he is now the proud owner of two powerful ships: DNa 90098TS (840CV) and DNa 90521TS (880CV).

Mr. Dung's success is not limited to financial gain. He also actively contributes to protecting the sovereignty of Viet Nam's sea and islands. In their efforts to further support him, the Center for Agricultural and Forest Products Promotion and the Da Nang Border Guard have equipped his vessels with a vertical fish finder. This device has significantly improved his catch rates, leading to increased income and overall success.

Therefore, he heads out to sea all year round, excepting from two months of “mua con nuoc” (The months when the tide churns against its natural course is seen by some as a harbinger of misfortune.), which fall in April and May.

On average, each year, his gillnet boat makes 16 offshore fishing trips, bringing ashore 2-3 tons of fish per trip while his seine boat makes 8 trips, bringing ashore 5-10 tons of fish per trip. Hence, he can earn an average profit of VND 500 million a year so that he can have enough money to take care of 4 his children and build a spacious house for his family. In particular, he has created job opportunities for nearly 20 crew members, helping them earn an average monthly income of  VND 7 million  per person.

Engaged in deep sea fishing, fishermen like Mr. Dung embody a crucial role as guardians of the nation's maritime sovereignty. He consistently encourages his team members to comply with the national fishing regulations, ensuring their full adherence to national laws and refraining from encroaching into foreign waters.

Mr. Le Dung has recently been honored as one of the "Outstanding Vietnamese Farmers 2023" by the national government in recognition of his dedication to the country’s fishing industry.

Reporting by D.QUANG – Translating by T.AN