KINMEN (TVBS News) — The Coast Guard Administration (CGA, 海巡署) on Monday (Jan. 13) expelled a suspected Chinese fishing vessel operating just 10 meters off the coast near Shaxi Fort (沙溪堡) in Lieyu (烈嶼), Kinmen (金門). Local fishermen captured and shared online photos of the blue boat, which was fishing dangerously close to shore as dusk fell.
Lee Chih-hung (李志鴻), a representative from Jinhu Township (金湖鎮), criticized the CGA for not acting swiftly. He urged authorities to bolster patrols and ensure fishing boats remain beyond the exclusive maritime zone, stating that the Coast Guard should immediately expel such vessels beyond the designated waters.
Regulations prohibit fishing within 4,000 meters of Kinmen's low tide line. The vessel's proximity of only 10 meters alarmed residents. Last year, the Coast Guard expelled 1,020 Chinese fishing boats and detained nine. Local citizens have called for increased vigilance to prevent similar incidents.
As tensions continue over maritime boundaries, residents and officials alike are pushing for more stringent enforcement. The community remains vigilant, hoping for decisive action to safeguard their waters.