Update Sept. 18, 2024, 9:25 a.m.
No further related reports were received from the time of the initial call until 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Coast Guard Administration Eastern Branch said. The case is now considered a likely false alarm.
The search and rescue operation has been scaled back and will continue as part of routine patrols.
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan authorities launched a search and rescue operation on Tuesday (Sept. 17) after receiving reports of a possible aircraft crash in the waters off Taitung's Changbin Township.
The Aviation Police Bureau (APB) and local aviation stations confirmed that all scheduled flights in the area were operating normally. It is suspected the possible aircraft crash may have been a drone or an unauthorized private aircraft, per CNA.
Coast Guard units from both Taitung and Hualien have been deployed. An air rescue helicopter has also been requested to assist in the search.
A witness reported seeing the aircraft fall into the sea near Nanzhuhu Township. Search and rescue teams have been using binoculars and patrol boats to scour the area, but have yet to find any evidence of a crash.
Fire department vessels have been sent to the area in hopes of making the most of the “golden rescue window.” However, firefighters and volunteers reported that waves were 5 to 6 meters high, making the search extremely difficult.
