VietNamNet Bridge – A normal day of Vietnamese officers living and working on the Coast Guard ship, CBS 8003, operating around Hoang Sa Island, amid the mounting clashes with Chinese vessels, is described from close-up.

At 6:30am on Monday, the crew saluted the flag and sang the national anthem, the Chinese oil rig about 10 nautical miles away from them, protected by many military ships.

Whenever a Vietnamese ship attempted an approach to oil rig, Chinese vessels immediately blocked their way or even rammed Vietnamese ships. One Chinese ship in particular, 46001, has been nicknamed "The crazy bull" by Vietnamese crews because its frequent and brutal clashes with Vietnamese boats, often ramming them at high speeds.

The Chinese have expanded their ring of protection, including navy and missile-bearing ships, "defending" an area 15 to 17 nautical miles from the rig illegally placed withing Vietnamese waters. Meanwhile, Chinese gunships appear to be ready to fire at anytime.

The Vietnamese ship, CBS 8003, was running parallel to a Chinese ship, when suddenly the Chinese ship sped up and blocked the way. It did not fire a water cannon, but just floated in front of Vietnamese ship. The captain of Vietnamese ship ordered his crew to use restraint, since the Chinese crew were waiting with cameras, making it obvious they were ready to use photographs and videos in order to blame the incident on the Vietnamese.

Even though Vietnamese ships were damaged by Chinese vessels, they still returned to duty as soon as repairs were completed. Vietnam maintains its peaceful approach, but China has sent out various military ships disguised as fishing boats in Vietnamese waters.

As the sun set, Vietnamese ships withdrew to ensure their own safety. Meetings were held at night to make sure that the crew were all up to date with the precariousness of the situation, and everyone agreed that they should maintain restraint, but with a determined presence.

Flag salute on CBS 8003

Chinese ships protect oil rig

Chinese aircraft threaten Vietnamese ships

A Vietnamese ship surrounded by Chinese vessels       Preparing meals for the crew       Night meeting

DTriNews/TinTuc