Before the Festival: They Guard Family Reunions in the Deep Blue Sea

As thousands of families gather around the table to celebrate their reunion, there are still those who remain on duty, guarding the vast maritime territory of the motherland in the deep blue sea. During this Spring Festival, over 300 law enforcement vessels from the national coast guard will be stationed across the expansive waters from north to south. On the eve of the Spring Festival, reporters boarded the Chinese coast guard ship Yongshu to head to the front line in the South China Sea, documenting the stories of these maritime guardians who protect the reunion far from the land in the deep blue sea.

In the early morning of the South China Sea, as the first rays of sunlight penetrate the mist and shine on the azure sea surface, a maritime law enforcement drill closely aligned with real combat has quietly begun on the Yongshu ship.

As the duty alarm sounded throughout the ship, the law enforcement officers began to deploy in a combat-ready manner. The radar accurately locked onto the target, and the officers issued verbal warnings to drive away foreign fishing vessels that illegally entered the guarded waters.

After handling the situation, the alarm was lifted, and everyone quickly returned to a normal duty state. Law enforcement officer Dong Chengzhe closely monitored the sea surface situation and electronic nautical charts, making precise assessments and issuing timely commands.

Coast Guard Officer Dong Chengzhe: I must keep a close eye on the maritime situation at all times. Especially during holidays, we must remain vigilant. Every move we make is a declaration of sovereignty and a defense of the country's maritime rights.

Coast Guard Officer Geng Tianxiang: Our mission area has no signal, and the mission usually lasts one to two months. During this time, we live almost "isolated from the world." Before we set off, I called my parents in advance to wish them a Happy New Year. Having no signal is common for us, but our determination to defend the country's maritime rights remains unchanged.

Maritime law enforcement requires not only long-range vision and accurate judgment but also standardized evidence collection and clear facts. On the flight deck, the drone team immediately began practical flight training for evidence collection. The sea breeze, the ship's movements, and changing weather conditions make every safe takeoff and landing reliant on the meticulousness and professionalism of the flight controllers.

Coast Guard Officer Liu Ziyi: Controlling the drone on the ship requires consideration of the ship's maneuverability, wind direction, and wind speed, as well as being ready to respond to sudden weather changes. Therefore, every takeoff and landing must be done with utmost care.

The safe cruising of the vessel relies on the silent protection of key positions behind the scenes. In the main engine room deep within the ship, the roar of machines and high temperatures create a noisy environment. Chief engineer Wang Nanfeng is leading the law enforcement officers in carefully inspecting the "heart" of the ship. From the power system to every pipeline, they conduct the most rigorous checks to ensure a solid safety baseline for the entire ship's navigation.

Coast Guard Officer Wang Nanfeng: The main engine is the lifeblood of the ship; any problem in any part could lead to machine failure. During navigation, we must increase the frequency of inspections, make precise assessments, and promptly troubleshoot to ensure that the machinery operates normally.

From the bridge to the flight deck, from the depths of the engine room to various combat positions on the ship, after a day of intense duty, the festive atmosphere on the ship gradually thickened. In the dining room, red lanterns hung high, and the character "Fu" was displayed. Chief cook Zhi Xu led the law enforcement officers to gather together to roll dough and make dumplings. At this moment, the hands that guard the maritime territory are wrapping up the taste of reunion.

Outside the cabin is the vast deep blue sea, while inside is the warm and bustling atmosphere of human life, where steadfastness and warmth quietly blend together.

Coast Guard Officer Lu Jungang: We are often away from home and cannot return during the holidays. I think we need to let everyone taste the flavor of home. Wrapping dumplings and boiling hot soup warms the heart. We guard the maritime territory, and behind us, we are also protecting the pot and the table of reunion for countless families.

Far from the land and steadfast in the deep blue, this Spring Festival, all law enforcement officers remain on duty at the front line of the South China Sea. They guard the maritime territory with loyalty, watch over the reunion with responsibility, and convey their New Year blessings to the people of the country through the lens.