Angler missing after falling into Donggang Fishing Harbor found dead after hours of search

A regrettable incident occurred in Donggang Township, Pingtung County today, resulting in the drowning death of an angler. The fisherman, surnamed Yeh, accidentally fell into the sea while engaging in activities in the waters off Donggang Fishing Port. Upon receiving the report, local police, fire departments, and the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) of the Ocean Affairs Council immediately mobilized a large deployment of personnel and equipment to launch a joint sea-air search and rescue operation. Following hours of continuous searching, authorities received a report from an operational fishing vessel at nearly 2:00 p.m., spotting the missing individual in the open sea outside Zhenhai Temple. Coast Guard personnel proceeded to the location to confirm the sighting, brought the body ashore, and had family members who rushed to the scene perform an identification. It was confirmed that the deceased was the missing angler surnamed Yeh. The detailed cause of the fall and the exact sequence of events remain subject to further investigation and clarification by relevant authorities.

Following the incident, the Pingtung County Fire Bureau and the coastal units of the Coast Guard demonstrated a high level of response efficiency. According to the operational procedures of the rescue units, once the command center received a report from a citizen stating that an angler had fallen into the sea and gone missing at Donggang Fishing Port, it immediately dispatched nearby units to the scene and deployed Coast Guard patrol boats and search personnel to assist in the marine search. Due to the complex terrain and variable current conditions around Donggang Fishing Port, the rescue personnel exercised extreme caution. In addition to conducting a blanket search of the waters surrounding the drop-off point, they also expanded the search area to the open sea in hopes of locating the missing person within the golden rescue window.

During the search and rescue operation, private-sector assistance also played a crucial role. At around 2:00 p.m., a fishing vessel operating in the waters off Zhenhai Temple spotted a floating body and promptly notified the Coast Guard. Coast Guard personnel rushed to the designated waters upon receiving the report, retrieved the body onto their vessel, and transported it safely to shore. Subsequently, family members arrived at the scene accompanied by police and Coast Guard personnel. Following a preliminary identification, it was confirmed that the unfortunate victim was indeed Yeh, the angler who had fallen into the sea earlier that day. Relevant authorities then handled the subsequent matters in accordance with regulations, reporting the case to a prosecutor for an autopsy to clarify the exact cause of death.

In recent years, fishing activities in Taiwan's coastal and port areas have grown increasingly popular. As the government progressively promotes policies such as opening various ports for public fishing, the population engaging in marine recreation and fishing has increased significantly. However, marine and port environments harbor numerous unpredictable risks, including sudden large waves, slippery seawalls, strong currents, and tidal changes. Relevant authorities and local governments have repeatedly urged citizens to heighten their safety awareness when engaging in fishing or other recreational activities at the seaside or ports, closely monitor weather and sea conditions at all times, and wear standard protective gear such as life jackets and non-slip shoes to safeguard their personal safety and prevent similar tragedies from recurring.

As an important fishery hub and transportation junction in Pingtung, Donggang Fishing Port experiences frequent pedestrian and vehicular traffic, drawing significant attention to the aquatic environment surrounding the port area. This unfortunate incident, in which the angler surnamed Yeh fell into the sea and lost his life, has not only plunged his family into grief but has also once again sounded the alarm regarding port safety and the protection of water-based activities. As prosecutors, police, and Coast Guard units complete the autopsy and related investigations, the complete course of events for this case will be submitted to judicial and administrative units for further documentation and review, in the hope that through continuous safety advocacy and facility improvements, a safer and more suitable recreational environment can be provided for citizens who enjoy sea fishing.