Cua Tung, where the Ben Hai River meets the East Sea, is a key anchorage and fisheries hub for Quang Tri and nearby areas, but recurring sand buildup has made the channel difficult to navigate and sometimes left larger boats stranded.
On August 12, a large fishing boat ran aground while returning from sea. Attempts by its crew and another fishing boat to free it failed before a second vessel joined the operation and helped tow it through the shallow section.
A fishing boat runs aground in the silted channel at Cua Tung.
Fishermen said strong southwesterly winds since early August had generated large waves and altered currents, worsening sand accumulation at the entrance.
Larger boats now have to time their movements with favourable tides, while difficulties reaching the port have also disrupted fish unloading and purchases as well as supplies of fuel, ice and other fishing services.
Quang Tri has previously dredged the Cua Tung entrance, but sedimentation has repeatedly returned. Authorities said longer-term measures would require a broader assessment of sediment movement, currents, waves and winds rather than relying solely on dredging.
Sand accumulation in the Cua Tung channel is making navigation difficult for fishing boats.
Vo Duc Dien, chairman of the Cua Tung Commune People's Committee, said the channel needed to be cleared to improve access to the anchorage, but local opinion was divided over dredging.
Some residents fear dredging could affect Cua Tung Beach, while fishermen argue that without it, access to the fishing port will remain difficult.
Local authorities have asked the commune's economic division and relevant agencies to assess both options before submitting recommendations aimed at maintaining fishing operations while protecting the beach.