TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A sailboat operated by students and teachers from Yue-Ming Elementary and Junior High School in Yilan County ran aground on Monday (July 15) in Chunghua County’s Lunwei Bay, requiring rescue by a Coast Guard patrol boat.

The sailboat entered port at low tide, with the keel getting stuck in the channel, pitching the boat upwards at a dangerous angle. The sailboat was entering port for a routine visit to replenish supplies when it became stuck.

The school's sailboat expedition involved 20 crew members of students and teachers split between two sailboats. The accident affected only one of the sailboats and came 10 days into the voyage, which began with a send-off at Suao Port on July 5, attended by President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), per LTN.

The school is well known for its sailing program and other outdoor activities such as swimming and sea canoeing. Students are encouraged to learn about the marine environment as part of their curriculum. Throughout the year, the school holds sailing classes on smaller-sized sailboats on the Dongshan River. 

For the “round Taiwan” sailing expedition, the school planned to sail 1,938 kilometers in 28 days, including visits to outlying islands such as Penghu, Matsu, and Lanyu. The activity aims to cultivate students’ self-confidence and independent thinking.

Taichung Coast Guard was able to respond quickly to the school's sailboat after it ran aground, evacuating the crew. When the tide returned later on Monday afternoon (July 15), the stranded sailboat became unstuck and was able to continue to Penghu’s Magong. 

As a precaution, Coast Guard patrol boats will keep close track of the sailboat’s progress. 

The Coast Guard reporting hotline is 118.