KINMEN (TVBS News) — The Army Kinmen Defense Command confirmed on early Thursday (March 14) that a Chinese fishing vessel had overturned in the vicinity of Dongding Island, leaving all six crew members in the water.
Among the fishermen thrown overboard, two are in critical condition and were rushed to hospital, two have been rescued, while two remain unaccounted for, according to the Defense Command.
In response to online speculation regarding the cause of the incident, the Defense Command provided clarification. Taiwan ADIZ, a military fan page, suggested via maritime channel CH72 that the occurrence might have been due to a request from Chinese forces to land on Dongding Island, which was denied by Taiwanese troops. The Defense Command refuted this claim, stating that it had not received any related request from China.
The Kinmen Defense Command stressed their commitment to humanitarian principles, prioritizing the rescue effort. They also maintain close contact with the Coast Guard Administration, ensuring that any located crew members will be properly handled by the coast guard team.