In recent days, a large amount of purple clams were washed ashore by big waves along a stretch of more than 1km, passing through Chua village, Cam Nhuong commune, Cam Xuyen district, Ha Tinh.

Dozens of locals bring baskets, rackets, nets, and sacks to the beach to collect "sea blessings" to sell to traders.

According to locals, on average, from morning to noon, each person can pick up 30-45kg of clams. Some families mobilized a large workforce and picked up hundreds of kilos of clams.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai (40 years old, living in Cam Nhuong commune) said that for the past two days, Cam Nhuong sea area has had big waves and rain, so purple clams have washed ashore.

Discovering piles of clams washed ashore, she and three family members went to pick them up and sell them.

"We throw away any dead clams, and bring back the live ones, separate the intestines and sell them to traders. In one day, we earn 1.5 million VND," Ms. Hai said happily.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, Chairman of Cam Nhuong Commune People's Committee, purple clams washing ashore is a rare phenomenon in the locality. The estimated number of purple clams washing ashore is in the tons, unexpectedly helping people earn more income.

Previously, during rough seas or after storms, this local coast only recorded razor clams washing ashore.

"This is the first time purple clams have washed ashore on Cam Nhuong beach in such large quantities," said Mr. Hung.

This type of seafood is easy to prepare and can be made into many dishes such as porridge, boiled, steamed, grilled with scallion oil, or stir-fried with lemongrass.