TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration dismissed on Wednesday (June 12) speculations about the Chiayi-class offshore patrol vessel "Hsinchu" participating in the 2024 Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC).
The patrol vessel "Hsinchu," with hull number 5002, docked at Honolulu Harbor in Hawaii, is on its first high seas fisheries patrol mission of 2024, the Coast Guard Administration said.
The "Hsinchu" is currently moored at Pier 9 in Honolulu Harbor, a position confirmed by the AIS ship positioning system, the Coast Guard Administration added.
The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration explained that it has worked with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Agency, to arrange two to three high seas fisheries patrol missions annually.
The vessel departed from the Port of Taipei on May 29, heading to Hawaii for routine replenishment. This practice is not new to the Coast Guard, as a similar mission was undertaken in 2011.
The Coast Guard emphasized that these high seas fisheries patrol missions are a practice of Taiwan's international participation, ensuring the safety of Taiwanese fishing vessels operating at sea.
The "Hsinchu" will continue its mission, underscoring Taiwan's commitment to safeguarding its fishermen and contributing to maritime safety.