Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA) expelled two Chinese fishing boats after they entered Taiwan-controlled restricted waters near the Pratas Islands, according to the Taipei Times.
The incident began around 11 PM on Thursday, when authorities detected an unidentified boat about 15.5 nautical miles northeast of Pratas Island, around 5.5 nautical miles inside Taiwan’s prohibited waters.
The CGA sent its Yunlin patrol vessel to investigate.
The patrol vessel later located two Chinese fishing boats, Yue Hui Dong Yu 75066 and Jin Sha, about 27 nautical miles east of Pratas Island and roughly eight nautical miles inside the restricted zone.
The coast guard repeatedly ordered both vessels to leave.
While Yue Hui Dong Yu 75066 complied, Jin Sha refused to move despite three warnings.
The Yunlin then used a water cannon against Jin Sha for 30 seconds from approximately 200 metres away.
When the crew continued to refuse the order, the patrol vessel moved closer and sprayed the boat for another 90 seconds.
The CGA said the measure was a low-lethality procedure authorised under its standard operating protocols for removing vessels from Taiwan-controlled waters.
Later, the Jin Sha crew requested assistance, prompting the coast guard to provide 35 hot meals.
Authorities subsequently towed the vessel beyond the restricted zone and transferred it to a Chinese work vessel early the following morning.
The incident highlights continuing maritime tensions between Taiwan and China and Taiwan’s efforts to enforce restrictions around waters under its control.
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