TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Coast Guard Administration's (CGA) Chiayi-class patrol vessel Hsinchu set sail from Taipei Harbor to carry out a long-range patrol to protect Taiwan's fisheries.

This is the first time such a ship has embarked on the Central and Western Pacific fisheries patrol, Liberty Times reported. The journey is expected to last over a month and cover more than 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km).

The patrol mission is conducted up to three times a year, typically using 1,000-ton CGA ships. Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) said that deploying a larger ship highlights Taiwan's commitment to fulfilling its international responsibilities and ensuring the safety of Taiwanese fishing vessels.

Kuan pointed out that the day after China's military exercises, the Coast Guard rescued a Chinese fishing boat in distress and ensured its safe return to China. However, a Chinese coast guard ship entered Kinmen waters on May 28 to harass Taiwanese coast guard vessels. The Taiwanese personnel defended sovereignty and maintained peace, she said.

Kuan said she was concerned for the safety of fishing operations, instructing the OAC to coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the national search and rescue command center. Under the Cabinet, the ministries are working together to create a "five-layer safety net" for distant-water fishing vessels, she said.

The Hsinchu is equipped with remote medical facilities, allowing onboard medical staff to virtually consult doctors to provide medical treatment for injured or sick crew members.