Hualien Whale Watching Boat Finds Floating Body, Coast Guard Notified to Identify the Deceased

(CNA Reporter Chang Chi, Hualien County, 23rd) A whale-watching boat carrying tourists in Hualien discovered a floating male body during its voyage this morning. The captain immediately notified the Coast Guard Administration (CGA). CGA personnel arrived to handle the situation. It is preliminarily suspected that the deceased is a male angler who went missing recently at Sanxiantai, Taitung. The exact identity remains to be clarified.

A whale-watching boat in Hualien found a floating body on the sea surface in the morning. After receiving the report, the CGA dispatched a patrol boat to take over the floating male body. Originally, it was suspected to be a male angler who went missing off the coast of Hualien's Beibin Park on the 18th, but family members preliminarily ruled this out via photographs. Therefore, it is now suspected to be a male angler who went missing at Sanxiantai, Taitung on the 17th. The family has been notified to come for identification to clarify the identity.

Turumoan Whale Watching Company stated that there were over 50 domestic and foreign tourists on board at the time. After leaving the port and heading south for about 30 minutes, 4 nautical miles offshore, they first observed a group of active spinner dolphins. Then, they spotted a conspicuous floating object on the water. Initially thought to be abandoned fishing gear, it was only after the boat got closer that they realized it was a floating body.

The captain notified the CGA according to standard operating procedures and maintained control of the scene from a safe distance. The captain led the entire boat in a solemn and simple tribute and prayer, sending off the deceased.

A guide from the Kuroshio Ocean Education Foundation, responsible for observation and commentary, explained to the tourists that according to fishermen's customs, encountering and helping a deceased person return home in the vast ocean is an act of great merit. It represents a bond transcending life and death, and they deeply believe this kind thought will bring blessings for a safe voyage.

After the whale-watching boat returned to port, the boat company prepared a red envelope for each tourist. In folk customs, this has the purpose of warding off evil and avoiding misfortune, symbolizing the transformation of this unexpected encounter into a blessing for safety. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150423