TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Wednesday (Sept. 11) visited the pilot who was rescued at sea after ejecting from a Mirage 2000 fighter jet.
Captain Hsieh Pei-hsun (謝沛勳) was conducting a night training mission on Tuesday (Sept. 10) when his plane malfunctioned and crashed into the sea. Lai visited the pilot at Tung's Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, expressing the nation's gratitude for defending the country and saying Hsieh was in good condition, per CNA.
Military personnel reported that at around 10:39 p.m. on Tuesday, Hsieh was rescued by a Coast Guard Administration (CGA) vessel. The crew reported that Hsieh was conscious.
At 1:20 a.m. on Wednesday, the CGA transferred him to Taichung's Wuqi Fishing Port, where he was then taken by ambulance to the hospital.
Lai, accompanied by Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) and others, visited Hsieh at the hospital on Wednesday morning. After the visit, Lai spoke to the media, expressing gratitude on behalf of the nation to Hsieh and the entire military for his dedication to defending the country.
Lai also thanked the Ministry of National Defense (MND) and other units for their efforts in the rescue mission, expressing his happiness that the mission was completed and gratitude to the hospital for providing the best medical care.
The president said, "Hsieh's condition is stable, not life-threatening, and he is doing well.” He emphasized that the military remains steadfast in defending the nation and trains around the clock, day or night.
Lai urged the public to support the military as this will empower it to defend the country and ensure societal stability. Regarding the Mirage crash, Lai said the MND would follow the necessary procedures and conduct inspections.
He also stressed that pilot safety is a top priority, and the ministry will provide further updates to the public.
Dr. Wei Chih-wei (魏智偉), the hospital's Emergency Department director, said Hsieh was fully conscious when he arrived. Hsieh sustained bruises to his neck, back, and hands from landing in the sea after ejecting.
There was no internal bleeding or obvious spinal injury, but Wei said Hsieh's neck and back will be the main focus of observation moving forward.
Wei said that since Hsieh had inhaled seawater, they are monitoring him for potential aspiration pneumonia. Currently, he is accompanied by his parents and wife, is responsive, and can get out of bed, walk, and use the restroom.
Wei added there should be no issues with Hsieh's return to duty in the future, but he remains under observation at the hospital for now.
