TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on Thursday (Sept. 12) expressed gratitude to the Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) and the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC, 海委會) for their swift collaboration in rescuing a pilot after a Mirage 2000 jet (幻象戰機) crashed off the coast of Hsinchu.
The premier also requested the MND and the OAC to document the rescue process to prevent similar incidents in the future.
On Tuesday (Sept. 10), a Mirage 2000 jet from Hsinchu Air Base (空軍新竹基地) lost power during a night training exercise and crashed into the sea. Captain Hsieh Pei-hsun (謝沛勳) ejected and survived. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) then visited Captain Hsieh at Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital on the following day.
Acting Spokesperson of the Executive Yuan Julia Hsieh (謝子涵) stated that Premier Cho feels "deeply regretful" about the Mirage 2000 crash but is relieved that Captain Hsieh was found and rescued safely, adding that the premier hopes for the pilot's speedy recovery.
The government's prompt response highlights the importance of preparedness and efficient coordination in handling emergencies. Authorities will likely review and refine their protocols to enhance safety and response measures.
