TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Coast Guard completed a five-day rescue on Sunday (Jan. 4), towing a disabled fishing vessel to safety. The Pingtung (屏東)-registered "Ming ○ Chun" (明○群) and its five crew became stranded 101 nautical miles (187 km) southeast of Dongsha Island (東沙島) on Tuesday (Dec. 31). Nets had entangled the propeller, cutting power. The Yunlin (雲林艦), a Chiayi-class Offshore Patrol Vessel, reached the scene that evening and confirmed all crew were unharmed.
Deteriorating weather conditions forced the Yunlin to act immediately rather than await backup vessels. Northeast monsoon winds intensified to force 7 to 8 (50-74 km/h) with gusts reaching force 10 (89-102 km/h), while waves rose 3 to 4 meters (10-13 feet) high. The Coast Guard Administration (海巡署) said the patrol vessel's crew secured a lifeline to the disabled fishing boat after repeated attempts in harsh conditions. The Yunlin then began a continuous towing operation, maintaining watch day and night to bring the vessel back to Taiwan.
Crew members used a line-throwing gun to deliver the lifeline across the turbulent waters to the Ming ○ Chun. The rescue operation lasted five days and four nights as the Yunlin slowly navigated toward Taiwan's coast through persistent monsoon conditions. Officials said the mission followed the principle "Time is life, speed is hope" (時間即生命、速度即希望), underscoring the critical nature of swift action in maritime emergencies when lives hang in the balance.
The mission concluded on Sunday when the Yunlin transferred the fishing vessel to "GUO DA NO.168" (國大168號) southwest of Liuqiu Island (小琉球), also known as Lamay Island. The Coast Guard Administration praised its personnel for their bravery and dedication in protecting Taiwan's fishermen. Authorities reminded the public to call 118, the Coast Guard emergency hotline, for immediate maritime assistance. ◼
