The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) received a report from a fishing boat Wednesday evening stating they had been flagged down by the searchlight of a Chinese coast guard ship. The fishing boat was located about 60 miles northwest of Magong, Penghu, about 34 miles beyond restricted waters and 11.5 miles west of the median line.
In response, the CGA immediately sent a dispatch to the area. However, by the time they arrived, the fishing boat stated that it had already sailed away from the scene and was no longer being pursued by the Chinese coast guard ship.
The incident follows the detainment of Taiwanese fishing boat Tachinman 88 by Chinese authorities just the evening prior. The Tachinman 88’s five crew members were taken to Quanzhou City’s Weitou Port, and have yet to be released.
The Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Branch of the CGA said they have sent increased patrols to the area where the incident occurred so that they can respond promptly and effectively when needed. They reminded fishermen to call the 118 CGA emergency hotline if they encounter any unexpected situations at sea.