Taiwan Coast Guard drives out two Chinese vessels near Pratas Islands — Taipei Times
Taiwan’s Coast Guard drove out two Chinese fishing vessels detected near the Pratas Islands in the South China Sea. According to the Taipei Times, the operation was carried out by the Taiwan Coast Guard patrol vessel Yunlin.
Detection of the vessels
At about 11:00 on Thursday, the coast guard detected an unidentified vessel 15.5 nautical miles northeast of Pratas Island — 5.5 nautical miles inside Taiwan’s prohibited waters. Yunlin was dispatched to the area and, at about 15:00, detected the Chinese fishing vessels Yue Hui Dong Yu 75066 and Jin Sha 27 nautical miles east of the island.
According to Taiwan’s Coast Guard, the vessels were eight nautical miles inside the restricted waters. Yunlin’s crew repeatedly demanded that they leave the area. Yue Hui Dong Yu 75066 complied, while Jin Sha refused to leave the waters.
Water cannon and assistance to the crew
After three unsuccessful attempts to force Jin Sha to leave the area, the patrol vessel used a water cannon for 30 seconds from a distance of about 200 meters. As this did not produce a result, Yunlin gradually moved closer and directed a stream of water at the Chinese vessel for another 90 seconds.
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The coast guard stated that it acted in accordance with standard procedures for the use of non-lethal means. Later, at the request of Jin Sha’s crew, the Taiwanese side delivered 35 hot meals, towed the vessel beyond the restricted waters and handed it over to a Chinese work vessel.
The Coast Guard Administration said it would continue to lawfully drive out vessels that cross Taiwan’s maritime borders and provide humanitarian assistance when necessary. The agency also called on China to prevent illegal fishing in the area and protect marine resources.
The Pratas Islands, also known as Dongsha, are located about 450 km southwest of Kaohsiung. They are one of two island groups in the South China Sea controlled by Taiwan.
