TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Chinese-flagged cargo vessel "Yu Zhou Qi Hang" encountered difficult sea conditions associated with the outer periphery of Typhoon Kong-rey on Tuesday (Oct. 29).

The Taiwan Coast Guard's monitoring of ships noticed abnormal movements of the cargo vessel beginning at 11 a.m., indicating a potential stranding 4.4 km north-northwest of Cape Yehliu.

After evaluating difficult sea conditions due to the typhoon, such as gale-force winds and five-meter waves, the cargo vessel captain decided to lower anchor off Cape Yehliu and wait for a tugboat rescue. Complicating the vessel’s navigation was a heavy load, which included three gantry cranes, per UDN.

Keelung Port alerted the Coast Guard, which sent patrol ships to monitor conditions. The cargo vessel’s captain issued an evacuation order and distress call at 9 p.m.

Upon receiving the request, Taiwan's Coast Guard deployed a 100-ton patrol boat and rescued all 17 crew members at 9:41 p.m., safely bringing them back to Keelung Port.

The Coast Guard said it adheres to the principle of offering humanitarian assistance and treating Chinese crew members in good faith. 

With the arrival of Typhoon Kong-rey, the Coast Guard reminded all fishing boats and cargo ships to pay close attention to the latest weather information before going out to sea. In an emergency, boat captains and crew can dial "118" for rescue.