TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's R.O.C. Naval Fleet Command extended its search and rescue effort on Tuesday (Dec. 26) for three servicemen missing at sea, announcing that families of the missing servicemen will be transported to the vicinity of the accident spot on Wednesday (Dec. 27).
Despite surpassing the crucial 72-hour rescue window, the Navy has ordered an additional three-day search.
The men were among six crew members who fell overboard from the Hai Hu, or "Sea Tiger," Submarine on Dec. 21. Half remain unaccounted for five days on.
The wife of one of the missing crew, an officer bearing the surname of Chang, has recorded an audio plea to passing vessels for assistance in the search. In her emotional message, she urged her husband to come home, noting the cold weather.
Families have suggested that the search should move south based on sea current directions. They cited previous incidents where personnel were found near the coast of Keziliao Harbor.
President Tsai Ing-wen visited the recovered crew at Zuoying Armed Forces General Hospital the previous day and comforted the families of the lost navy personnel at the base while vowing to continue the search.
Head of the Zuoying branch of the hospital, Hung Kuang-chen, expressed the families' gratitude for the President's concern.
Approximately 900 personnel, along with 80 aircraft, 76 ships, and 319 vehicles, have joined the search and rescue effort. The operational area extends from south of Kaohsiung Port to Hengchun and along the coast of the Xiaoliuqiu.