Nguyen Manh Hung, the head of Long Chau lighthouse station in Cat Hai district, Hai Phong city. (Photo: Thu Hoa)

Hung started working as a lighthouse keeper on Long Chau island in 2004. He says he had always dreamed of becoming a lighthouse keeper like his father.

Long Chau island is 50 kilometers from the mainland, and Hung couldn’t help experiencing an empty feeling when he first came here.

“It took me a month to get used to living here. The weather is very harsh. The winter is too cold and the summer is too hot. During the hot season, the island’s mountainous terrain traps the heat, making it even hotter at night. After 2 years, I got used to the living conditions and fell in love with the island.”

A sense of responsibility and love for their work help Hung and his colleagues overcome all the challenges and keep the lighthouse operating in all weather conditions.

“We take turns working an eight-hour shift every day and night. We maintain the light system and keep an eye on the lighthouse’s operation during the night,“ said Hung.

As the head of the Long Chau lighthouse team, Hung has worked to connect the team members.  

“We consider ourselves a family. We spend most of our time on the island, so it’s important to stay connected,” Hung added.

(Photo: Thu Hoa)

Mr. Vu Duc Thien, head of the Human Resource Department of the Northeastern Maritime Safety Company, said Hung has received many certificates of merit from the Ministry of Transport and the Company for his excellent work over many years. Hung is friendly and helpful to his colleagues, he noted.

Now 53, Hung considers Long Chau his second home.

“I chose this job and have done it for a long time. Many people think it’s a hard job, but I love it. It is my love of the job that has kept me working here for so long.”