The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) rescued the 17 crew members of the Chinese-registered cargo ship. Yu Zhou Qi Hang (鈺洲啟航) after the captain abandoned the ship, which had lost its ability to sail due to extreme weather conditions and heavy cargo.

The ship, which left Keelung at 7:57 a.m. yesterday bound for Zhangzhou, southeast China’s Fujian province, was found stranded in unusual conditions 2.4 nautical miles (4.44 km) ) north-northwest of Cape Yehliu (野柳), northern Taiwan, three hours later. » said CGA.

Photo courtesy of the CGA

The ship, which was carrying three gantries and was affected by strong winds and approaching Typhoon Kong-rey, was unable to leave the area and gradually drifted towards the shore near Yehliu, he said. added.

Rescue units sent tugboats to the scene, but they had to turn around due to rough sea conditions, the CGA said.

The captain of Yu Zhou Qi Hang decided to abandon ship that evening as the wind and rain intensified, and the Coast Guard sent a 100-ton patrol boat to rescue the crew members, bringing them back safely at Keelung Port yesterday at 10:05 p.m.