Taipei: A rock fisherman died Saturday after he and six others were washed into the sea by strong waves on Keelung Islet, off the coast of northern Taiwan, according to the Coast Guard Administration (CGA). The seven people were part of a group of 45 that went to the islet by boat early Saturday for recreational rock fishing, the CGA said.
According to Focus Taiwan, the CGA received a report at 10 a.m. that some members of the group had been washed off the rocks into the sea. In response, a patrol boat was dispatched to the area, and the National Airborne Service Corps (NASC) was called to assist with the rescue effort. Upon arrival, the patrol boat found that a recreational fishing boat had already rescued six individuals who had been swept into the sea.
The seventh angler was spotted wedged between some reefs and appeared to be unconscious. CGA rescue workers retrieved him, and he was airlifted to Songshan Airport by an NASC helicopter, but he was later pronounced dead.
The Keelung City government’s Depa
rtment of Economic Affairs reported that the incident occurred when the weather changed suddenly at about 10 a.m. Saturday. At the time the fishing boats set sail at 5 a.m., the winds were forecast to be no stronger than 49.68 kilometers per hour, and the waves were expected to be no higher than 2 meters, with no typhoon warnings in the region. Recreational fishing boats in the area are only allowed at sea if the wind is forecast to be under 50.04 kilometers per hour, following the Regulations for Recreational Fishery.
While rock fishing is a popular activity on Taiwan’s northeastern coast, the Keelung City government has regulations in place to safeguard recreational fishermen due to the inherent risks. The department advised anglers to wear life vests and spiked boots and recommended that boat operators provide insurance for their passengers.