KAOHSIUNG (TVBS News) — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te assured the public on Friday (Dec. 22) that efforts to find the three missing submarine crew members will continue.
"The Ministry of National Defense is persistently conducting the search. We're not giving up any chance," Lai said during a Kaohsiung rally for the upcoming election. "Our Navy members are vital to the nation. Let's pray for their safe and prompt return."
The incident occurred during a training exercise a day earlier near Siaoliouciou Island, where six Hai Hu submarine crew members were swept into the sea amid strong swells that dislodged safety equipment during repair procedures, as per initial reports.
Of the six crew members who fell overboard, three were rescued immediately. The Navy confirmed that all crew members adhered to safety regulations, wearing life jackets and safety ropes.
Following the accident, the Navy swiftly established an emergency response center and initiated rescue operations with an S70-C anti-submarine helicopter and several vessels. Additional support in the search comes from National Airborne Service Corp and Coast Guard Administration aircraft and vessels.