Tragic Rock Fishing Incident in Keelung: One Dead After Waves Knock Seven Into Sea
Keelung, Taiwan — A tragic accident occurred on Saturday off the coast of Keelung Islet, when a group of anglers was swept into the sea by powerful waves. The incident resulted in one confirmed death and six others rescued after being knocked from the rocks into the ocean.
According to the Coast Guard Administration (CGA), the group of seven was part of a larger party of 45 individuals who had traveled to the islet for a recreational rock fishing excursion early Saturday morning. The group was reportedly enjoying their fishing trip when a sudden change in the weather, accompanied by strong waves, caused several of the anglers to fall into the sea.
Details of the Incident
The CGA received a distress call at approximately 10 a.m. reporting that members of the group had been swept into the water by strong waves. The agency quickly dispatched a patrol boat to the area, and the National Airborne Service Corps (NASC) was also called to assist with the rescue operation.
Upon arrival, rescuers found that six of the fishermen had already been pulled from the sea by a nearby recreational fishing boat. However, the seventh angler was spotted unconscious and wedged between rocks. Despite rescue efforts, the individual was later confirmed dead after being airlifted to Songshan Airport by an NASC helicopter.
Sudden Weather Change Triggers Tragedy
The incident unfolded around 10 a.m., just hours after the anglers departed for the islet around 5 a.m. that morning. At the time of departure, weather forecasts indicated that winds would be no stronger than 49.68 km/h, and waves would not exceed 2 meters. Furthermore, there were no typhoon warnings issued in the region, and weather conditions appeared favorable for the fishing trip.
The Keelung City Department of Economic Affairs stated that the weather conditions had changed suddenly, leading to the dangerous waves that caused the incident. Under the current regulations for recreational fisheries, boats are permitted to operate in the area only if the wind speed is below 50.04 km/h and if there are no extreme weather warnings. The department emphasized that the accident was not expected based on the weather forecast.
Precautionary Measures for Rock Fishing
While rock fishing remains a popular recreational activity along Taiwan’s northeastern coast, it does come with inherent risks. The Keelung City government has enacted a series of safety regulations to ensure the well-being of recreational fishermen.
These regulations include recommendations for anglers to wear life vests and spiked boots to reduce the risk of accidents while fishing on the rocks. Boat operators are also required to provide insurance for their passengers, which helps protect them in case of accidents or emergencies.
The Keelung City government reiterated the importance of safety precautions and urged all anglers to follow the guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Rescue Efforts and Aftermath
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Coast Guard and other emergency response teams continue to investigate the incident and assess the conditions that led to the powerful waves. Authorities have expressed condolences to the family of the deceased angler and have reiterated the need for greater safety awareness among recreational fishermen.
Despite the tragic outcome, the six rescued anglers are said to be in stable condition, and no further injuries were reported.
Key Points of the Incident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Keelung Islet, Northern Taiwan |
| Date | Saturday, [Date] |
| Victims | 7 anglers knocked into the sea |
| Fatalities | 1 confirmed dead |
| Rescue Operations | CGA patrol boat, NASC helicopter |
| Weather Conditions | Winds up to 49.68 km/h, waves up to 2 meters |
| Cause of Accident | Sudden weather change, strong waves |
| Safety Measures | Life vests, spiked boots, insurance required |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What caused the rock fishing tragedy in Keelung?
A1: The tragedy occurred when a group of anglers was swept into the sea by strong waves caused by a sudden weather change. Despite favorable weather forecasts, the waves became unexpectedly dangerous.
Q2: How many anglers were involved in the accident?
A2: Seven anglers were swept into the sea, and one of them tragically died. The remaining six were rescued by a nearby fishing boat.
Q3: What safety measures are recommended for rock fishing in Taiwan?
A3: Anglers are advised to wear life vests and spiked boots to ensure safety while rock fishing. Boat operators are also required to provide insurance for their passengers.
Q4: What weather conditions were expected for the fishing trip?
A4: Weather forecasts indicated winds up to 49.68 km/h and waves no higher than 2 meters. There were no typhoon warnings in the area.
Q5: What actions are being taken following the incident?
A5: The Coast Guard and other authorities are conducting investigations into the incident. Additionally, the Keelung City government is emphasizing safety measures for future recreational fishing activities.
