Post by : Rohit Dhiman

Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration has used a water cannon to drive a Chinese fishing boat away from restricted waters near Dongsha Island in the South China Sea after repeated warnings failed to persuade the vessel to leave. The incident took place on October 1, when Taiwan’s coast guard detected Chinese fishing activity in waters around Dongsha. A patrol vessel was sent to investigate after an unidentified vessel was spotted northeast of the island. Officials later found two Chinese fishing boats, identified as Yue Hui Dong Yu 75066 and Jin Sha, operating inside Taiwan-controlled restricted waters. The patrol vessel repeatedly instructed both boats to leave the area. One vessel complied, while the Jin Sha remained in place despite multiple warnings.

Coast Guard Issues Repeated Warnings

The situation developed after the Taiwan Coast Guard patrol vessel Yunlin reached the area and identified the two fishing boats. According to the Coast Guard Administration, both vessels were anchored and conducting fishing-related activity within the restricted zone. The crew of Yue Hui Dong Yu 75066 responded to the instructions and began moving away. The Jin Sha, however, did not immediately follow the order. Taiwanese officials said three radio warnings were issued to the Jin Sha, but the vessel continued to remain in the area. The coast guard then moved to the next stage of its standard operating procedure.

Water Cannon Used Against Jin Sha

After the repeated warnings failed, the Yunlin patrol vessel used a water cannon against the Jin Sha. According to the Coast Guard Administration, the first water-cannon spray lasted around 30 seconds and was conducted from approximately 200 metres away. When the attempt did not persuade the vessel to leave, the patrol ship moved closer and sprayed water toward the boat for another 90 seconds. Officials said the action was carried out under the coast guard's procedures governing the use of low-lethal equipment. The coast guard said care was taken to avoid striking people on the deck. The Jin Sha eventually raised anchor and began moving away from the area.

Fishing Boat Later Loses Power

The situation took another turn after the Jin Sha began leaving the restricted waters. According to Taiwan’s Coast Guard, the fishing boat subsequently lost power while attempting to move away. Rather than leaving the vessel without assistance, the Yunlin patrol ship remained nearby and dispatched a small boat to check on the crew. Officials said everyone aboard was found to be safe. The coast guard then shifted from an enforcement operation to a humanitarian assistance response, continuing to monitor the fishing boat while arrangements were made to move it safely outside the restricted area.

35 Hot Meals Provided to Crew

The Taiwan Coast Guard also provided assistance to the crew of the Jin Sha after the vessel requested food. According to officials, the patrol vessel delivered 35 hot meals to the people aboard the fishing boat on the evening of October 1. The coast guard then began towing the vessel toward the outside of the restricted zone. The patrol operation continued overnight, with another Taiwan Coast Guard vessel providing additional support and security during the towing process. The Jin Sha was safely towed outside the restricted waters late on October 1. The Taiwan Coast Guard then remained nearby while the crew contacted another Chinese vessel that could take over the towing operation.

Chinese Work Vessel Takes Over

Early on October 2, the Jin Sha was handed over to the Chinese work vessel Hai Yang Shi You 681. The Taiwan Coast Guard said the handover took place safely after the fishing boat had been moved outside the restricted area. The Yunlin remained involved in the operation until the transfer was completed. The sequence of events meant the incident ended without reports of arrests or injuries to the fishing crew.

Why Dongsha Waters Matter

Dongsha Island, also known as Pratas Island, is located in the South China Sea and is administered by Taiwan. The surrounding waters are subject to different maritime restrictions enforced by Taiwan’s authorities. Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration distinguishes between prohibited waters and restricted waters. Around Dongsha, the relevant boundaries can differ from the standard distances around Taiwan’s main island because the maritime zones are measured using nearby reefs and geographic features. The location has strategic and environmental importance, and encounters involving Chinese fishing vessels have occurred there previously. The latest incident adds another episode to the continuing maritime enforcement activity around Dongsha.

Taiwan Coast Guard Explains Its Position

Taiwan’s Coast Guard said its response was based on its legal and operational procedures for dealing with Chinese fishing vessels entering waters under Taiwan’s control. Officials said the coast guard's responsibilities include protecting maritime borders while also providing humanitarian assistance when vessels encounter problems. The agency also called on China to prevent fishing vessels from entering the area and to avoid activities that Taiwan says could affect marine resources and maritime order. The Coast Guard said it would continue deploying patrol vessels around Dongsha to monitor maritime activity and respond to vessels entering restricted areas.

Maritime Tensions Around Dongsha

The incident comes amid continued maritime friction involving Taiwan and China in waters around Taiwan-controlled islands. Dongsha has previously seen encounters involving Chinese vessels, including fishing boats and government vessels. The latest confrontation involved a fishing vessel rather than a military ship, but the episode highlights the challenges faced by maritime authorities when foreign vessels enter restricted waters. For Taiwan’s Coast Guard, the operation involved two different responsibilities: enforcing maritime restrictions and providing assistance after the fishing boat experienced a mechanical problem. The combination of enforcement, towing and humanitarian assistance made the incident notable beyond the initial use of the water cannon.

What Happened to the Two Chinese Fishing Boats?

The two vessels encountered by the Taiwan Coast Guard did not have the same outcome. The Yue Hui Dong Yu 75066 left the area after the Coast Guard issued warnings. The Jin Sha initially refused to leave and was subsequently subjected to the water-cannon operation before finally moving away. After losing power, the Jin Sha received assistance from the Taiwan Coast Guard, including food and towing support. It was eventually transferred to another Chinese vessel outside the restricted waters. The episode ended after the second vessel was safely taken away on October 2.

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