Tensions in the waters near Taiwan’s Dongsha Island escalated Thursday after a Chinese fishing boat refused repeated orders to leave a restricted maritime zone, prompting the Taiwan Coast Guard to use a water cannon to force the vessel to move.
According to the Taiwan Coast Guard, patrol vessel Yunlin detected two Chinese fishing boats about 8 nautical miles (15 kilometers) inside restricted waters east of Dongsha Island Thursday afternoon. Officers ordered both vessels to leave.
One boat, Yue Hui Dong Yu 75066, complied and departed after raising its anchor. The second vessel, Jin Sha, refused to follow the order despite three radio warnings.
The Coast Guard then used its water cannon. Officers first sprayed water into the air from roughly 200 meters away before moving closer and directing the spray toward the vessel’s bridge. The Jin Sha subsequently raised anchor and began leaving the restricted area.
The Coast Guard said the action followed its standard procedures for vessel removal and the use of less-lethal equipment. Officers avoided directing the water toward crew members on deck.
The situation took another turn when the Jin Sha lost power while attempting to leave. The Yunlin stayed alongside the fishing boat and deployed a small boat to check on its crew, confirming that everyone was safe.
In an unexpected humanitarian response, the Coast Guard later delivered 35 hot meals to the Chinese crew after they requested assistance. The Yunlin, accompanied by another patrol vessel, then began towing the disabled fishing boat out of Taiwan’s restricted waters.
The Jin Sha was eventually towed beyond the restricted zone and remained under Coast Guard escort while awaiting help from another Chinese vessel. On Friday morning, Taiwan’s Coast Guard transferred the tow to the Chinese-flagged offshore oilfield support vessel Hai Yang Shi You 681.
The Coast Guard also urged Chinese authorities to prevent fishing vessels from entering Taiwan’s restricted waters illegally. The agency said such incidents had recently intensified and that some of the vessels were catching several tonnes of fish, raising concerns about maritime order and the marine ecosystem around Dongsha.
The latest incident highlights the complicated maritime challenges surrounding Dongsha Island, where Taiwan continues to monitor fishing activity and enforce restrictions in surrounding waters.
WWC ONE MEDIA G,A
