The Fisheries Department confirmed that the Kaohsiung-flagged fishing boat "Lianshengfa" capsized in the Indian Ocean, and the lives of 16 crew members were uncertain.

(Provided by Fisheries Department)

[Reporter Chen Jiayi/Taipei Report] my country’s Kaohsiung-registered "Lianshengfa" fishing boat (CT4-2896) lost contact on the 23rd while operating in the high seas of the Indian Ocean. The authorities confirmed that the overturned hull of the Kaohsiung-registered "Lianshengfa" fishing boat (CT4-2896) was found in the waters of the Republic of China, but no trace of the 16 missing crew members was found at the scene. Chinese-flagged ships assist in the search for missing crew members.

The Department of Fisheries stated that after the "Lianshengfa" ship was reported missing on February 23, it immediately coordinated with Taiwanese fishing boats operating in nearby waters to assist in the search, and searched for neighboring countries in the waters (Mauritius) through the National Search and Rescue Command Center and diplomatic channels. Sith, French Reunion, Seychelles, etc.); on the evening of the 25th, a Chinese fishing boat reported that a suspected "Lianshengfa" ship capsized near the wrecked sea area, and immediately contacted the National Search and Rescue Center. Mauritius assists.

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The Department of Fisheries stated that the shipping bill of the United States of America replied today, and the official ship of the United States of America arrived at the location of the overturned hull at 6:00 a.m. local time today. After underwater visual judgment by the divers, it was confirmed that it was indeed a "Lianshengfa" fishing boat. The cabin and engine room were inaccessible, and no personnel were found in the rest of the space, and no lifeboat was found.

The Fisheries Department emphasized that although it has been confirmed that the "Lianshengfa" ship capsized in the waters of Mauritius, there were no traces of the 16 crew members of the "Lianshengfa" ship. Chinese fishing boats operating in Sri Lanka and nearby waters to assist in the search for missing crew members.

As for the other missing fishing boat, the Fisheries Administration stated that the tuna fishing boat "Shengfeng 128" (CT3-5369) from Pingtung disappeared on the high seas of the Pacific Ocean on February 18. Continue to search and rescue. As of February 26, the US has dispatched 6 fixed-wing aircraft to search and rescue, and 2 merchant ships and 18 Chinese fishing boats have conducted search and rescue in this sea area. The Coast Guard has also sent ships from the northern waters of the Philippines. In the South China Sea search, we will continue to invite relevant units and fishing boats operating in nearby waters to assist in the search.