Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration said on October 2 that its cutter Yunlin sprayed a water cannon at a Chinese fishing boat for 90 seconds to drive it out of restricted waters near Pratas Island, after the vessel ignored three broadcast warnings the day before. Taiwan controls the island, known in Chinese as Dongsha, in the northern South China Sea.
The coast guard's Pratas command detected an unidentified target at about 11 a.m. on October 1, some 15.5 nautical miles northeast of the island and 5.5 nautical miles inside prohibited waters, and sent the Yunlin to investigate. At about 3 p.m., the cutter found two Chinese fishing boats, the Yue Hui Dong Yu 75066 and the Jin Sha, anchored and fishing illegally 27 nautical miles east of the island, 8 nautical miles inside restricted waters.
Jin Sha Ignored Three Warnings Inside Restricted Waters
The Yunlin ordered both boats out by radio. The Yue Hui Dong Yu raised anchor and left, but the Jin Sha stayed put. After three broadcasts failed, the Yunlin sprayed water into the air for 30 seconds from 200 meters away, again without effect, then moved closer and sprayed the wheelhouse for 90 seconds. The Jin Sha raised anchor and left, and the cutter stopped spraying.
Coast Guard Says Spray Avoided Crew On Deck
The agency said its rules for expelling Chinese vessels and using less-lethal weapons such as high-pressure water pumps require crews to avoid vital body parts and bystanders. It said the Yunlin kept the spray away from people on the Jin Sha's deck throughout.
Boat That Lost Power Was Towed Out Of Restricted Waters
The Jin Sha lost power as it pulled away. The Yunlin stayed alongside, launched a small boat and confirmed everyone aboard was safe. At about 8 p.m., at the crew's request, the cutter handed over 35 hot meals on humanitarian grounds and began towing, with the patrol boat PP-10032 added as escort.
The Jin Sha was towed out of restricted waters at about 11 p.m. to await another boat, under coast guard watch. At 6:15 a.m. on October 2, it was handed to the Chinese work vessel Haiyang Shiyou 681, which towed it back.
Coast Guard Urges Beijing To Curb Cross-Border Fishing
The agency said it will keep expelling Chinese fishing boats that cross into Taiwan's waters while providing humanitarian help. It said such incursions have worsened recently, with catches often measured in tons, and that they damage maritime order and marine ecology. It urged Beijing to rein in its fishing boats and said it will keep ships deployed to defend Taiwan's sovereignty and the sustainable use of Pratas' marine resources.
