TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A 34-year-old diver from Xiaoliuqiu was found dead early Tuesday after being reported missing while diving off the island, according to local authorities.
The man, surnamed Tsai (蔡), was reported missing Monday evening after entering the water near the Houshi Fringing Reefs in Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County. Family members alerted authorities after he failed to return to shore, per CNA.
Personnel from the Coast Guard, police, fire department, and local rescue organizations launched a search operation. Friends, relatives, and concerned residents also joined the effort.
The Pingtung County Fire Department said it received a report at 6:53 p.m. Monday that a diver had gone missing in waters near the reef area. The Liuqiu branch dispatched two vehicles and five personnel to the scene.
After about seven hours of searching, Tsai was located with no signs of life.
According to the fire department, the missing diver’s brother contacted authorities at 2:17 a.m. Tuesday to report that Tsai had been found about 300 meters offshore from the location where he was last seen. A diving boat transported him to Dafu Fishing Port.
At 2:36 a.m., Tsai’s body was handed over to family members and police officers for further handling, per the report.
The Fifth Coastal Patrol Team of the Southern Branch of the Coast Guard Administration said Tsai was a Xiaoliuqiu resident. Authorities said the diver was ultimately spotted floating at sea by a fishing boat, leading to the recovery of his body.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
