Da Thi and Sinh Ton Dong are the two most remote islands among the 21 ones under the management of Viet Nam in the Truong Sa Archipelago.

The Da Thi Island is in Truong Sa Island District, Khanh Hoa Province. The island has 2 small buildings linked via a small concrete bridge. Photo: TRIEU TUNG

Da Thi Island is one of the 11 sunken islands. Although the island is small, it has a very important position and role in detecting and preventing the illegal activities of foreign ships that violate Viet Nam's sovereignty in the Truong Sa waters.

Located in the northeast - southwest of the Truong Sa Archipelago, the Da Thi Island is slightly round and flattened at both ends. The reef island is over 3.2km long and about 1.82km wide.

The island has a slope towards the southeast, the depth of the island is uneven. When the tide is about 1.2m high, the entire island is about 0.6m below the water surface. When the island's surface is 0.3m above the water, there is still water in the middle of the island.

A navy soldier guarding the monument of national sovereignty on the Da Thi Island. Photo: TRIEU TUNG

Last April, municipal People's Council Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Anh Thi led a delegation of 70 members from Da Nang to visit the island as part of their visit to the Truong Sa (Spratly) Island District.

Like other sunken islands, navy officials and soldiers on the Da Thi Island face the lack of fresh water and land to grow trees and vegetables.

In recent years, the island has invested in a storage tank system, so it proactively ensures 100% of domestic water needs. Also, wind and solar energy systems have been built in the island, thereby contributing to signficantly enhancing daily life, and serving training and work there.

Navy officers and soldiers take advantage of every small space on the Da Thi Island to plant leafy vegetables to improve their daily meals. Photo: TRIEU TUNG

Lieutenant Le Duc My, Commander of the Da Thi Island, said that the island has received Certificates of Merit from units and organisations at all levels for 20 times. Notably, it was honoured with Certificates of Merit from the Ministry of National Defence for its excellent completion of assigned tasks and combat readiness in 2010, 2015, 2016, and 2019.

Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang People's Council Nguyen Thi Anh Thi (second, left) presenting gifts from Da Nang to navy officers and soldiers on duty on the Da Thi Island. Photo: TRIEU TUNG

Despite current difficulties and challenges due to complex terrain and harsh climate, soldiers on the island still regularly practice and master combat readiness plans in order not to be passive in any situation, as well as well complete their assigned tasks.

Reporting by TRIEU TUNG - Translating by M.DUNG