ROC TCGA’s Statement of the Press Coverage, stating “Penghu Fishermen witnessed TCGA’s Inaction toward Mainland China Coast Guard Vessel’s Harassment of Taiwanese Fishing Vessels on July 10.”

In response to a press coverage on July 16, alleging that “Penghu fishermen witnessed Taiwan Coast Guard Administration(TCGA)’s inaction while China Coast Guard(CCG) vessels driving away Taiwanese vessels on July 10,” TCGA’sFleet Branch issued following clarification:
1.To ensure the safety of local fishermen, Fleet Branch regularly deploys Cutters and Patrol Boats from Penghu Offshore Flotilla to patrol the traditional fishing grounds near Penghu. These deployments are intended to deter any potential CCG interference directed toward Taiwanese fishing operations .
2.At approximately 19:00 on July 9, the Penghu-registered fishing vessels De○Yi No. 2 and Man○Yi reported their intention to retrieve crab pots in waters east of the median line and requested TCGA’s escort support. In response, Fleet Branch dispatched CutterPenghu to the area. By 21:00, Penghu had arrived on scene but observed no presence of CCG vessels. The cutter remained patroling in the area after the fishermen completed their operations, and no further CCG activities weredetected.
3.At approximately 07:00 on July 10, Penghu identified CCG vessel 14519 via radar, which located 33 nautical miles northwest of Mudou Islet. By 10:00, the CCG vessel was deviated from the radar track at nautical miles northwest of Mudou Islet (out of the traditional fishing ground)., During the process, Cutter Penghu continued her tracking measures with no further reports of harassment received, nor were any emergency calls received via the “118” Coast Guard hotline.
4.TCGA emphasizes that all fisheries protection operations are conducted in accordance with established standard operating procedures. TCGA urges all fishermen to call the toll-free 118 hotline when encountering any issues at sea. TCGA will carry out response measures accordingly to provide immediate assistances.