TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Coast Guard said Friday it used a water cannon to drive one of two Chinese fishing boats out of restricted waters near Dongsha Island after its crew refused orders to leave.
The Coast Guard said its patrol vessel Yunlin detected two Chinese fishing boats, identified as Yue Hui Dong Yu 75066 and Jin Sha, on Thursday afternoon, about 8 nautical miles (15 km) inside restricted waters east of Dongsha Island. The Yunlin ordered both boats to leave, prompting Yue Hui Dong Yu 75066 to raise its anchor and depart, while Jin Sha refused to comply.
After three unsuccessful radio warnings, the Yunlin sprayed water from its water cannon into the air from about 200 meters away, then moved closer and directed the water at Jin Sha’s bridge. The vessel then raised its anchor and began moving away.
The Coast Guard said the operation followed standard procedures for driving away Chinese vessels and using less-lethal weapons, which require personnel to avoid striking vulnerable areas of the body or injuring bystanders. The Yunlin avoided directing water at crew members on deck throughout the operation.
Jin Sha lost power as it attempted to leave, prompting the Yunlin to remain alongside and deploy a small boat to check the crew, all of whom were safe. In the evening, the Yunlin delivered 35 hot meals to Jin Sha’s crew at their request before beginning a towing operation, accompanied by another Coast Guard patrol boat.
The vessel was towed beyond Taiwan’s restricted waters late Thursday and remained under Coast Guard escort while awaiting assistance from another Chinese vessel. On Friday morning, the Coast Guard transferred Jin Sha to the Chinese-flagged Hai Yang Shi You 681, an offshore oilfield support vessel, which took it under tow.
The agency also called on Chinese authorities to prevent their fishing boats from operating illegally in Taiwan’s waters, saying such incursions had recently intensified, with catches often reaching several tonnes. It said the activity seriously undermines maritime order and threatens valuable marine ecosystems around Dongsha.
