TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Coast Guard held a joint decommissioning ceremony for four vessels on Friday at the Xingda Port Coast Guard Base in Kaohsiung.
The ships that were decommissioned included the 1,800-tonnes Wei Hsing, the 500-tonnes Penghu, the 500-tonnes Hualian, and the Shun Hu No. 1 search and rescue vessel, reported CNA. The ceremony included flag lowering and the symbolic act of painting over the names and call signs of the ships.
One unique feature of the ceremony was a dance performed by the Taiwan Ballet Company. Dancers dressed in white performed on the pier and the ship decks in a symbolic display of strength and beauty before the names of the vessels were painted over.
The Wei Hsing, commissioned in 1992, and the Shun Hu No. 1, commissioned in 1993, were two of the oldest vessels in the Coast Guard’s fleet, while the Penghu and Hualien began service in 2001.
Oceans Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) presided over the event, with former captains and crew members in attendance. Representatives from the Navy and the Maritime Port Bureau were present to show respect for the vessel’s contribution to Taiwan’s security.
During her remarks, Kuan recounted some important milestones and acts of service for each vessel. The Wei Hsing took part in multiple military exercises and was also notable for rescuing three Filipino fishermen from waters off the coast of Penghu after their ship sank in 2013.
In 2004, the Hualien traveled into dangerous territory to rescue the crew of a fishing boat that was hijacked and commandeered by pirates. In 2014, the Penghu was instrumental in the rescue of 45 people who were lost at sea in severe weather conditions.
Kuan expressed gratitude to the ships and the Coast Guard for their commitment to protecting lives and safeguarding the nation.
