Search continues for missing Indian student in Taiwan
TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Search and rescue teams continued operations Tuesday (Aug. 26) for a missing Indian student from Nanhua University (南華大學) who disappeared near Chang Hu Suspension Bridge (樟湖吊橋) in Yunlin County's Gukeng Township (古坑鄉). The student vanished a day earlier during what appears to have been a water recreation incident. University officials contacted his parents while providing counseling services to affected international students and reinforcing safety protocols for hazardous outdoor areas.
The missing student departed for the bridge alone at 11 a.m. Monday before calling a fellow Indian classmate at 2 p.m. to invite him to the location. The friend arrived at 3:40 p.m. but discovered only abandoned clothing and a mobile phone on the shoreline. The alarming discovery prompted immediate calls to other Indian classmates for assistance before contacting police at 4:30 p.m. to report the suspected water accident.
Fire department officials notified Nanhua University at 8 p.m. about the Indian student's suspected water accident near the suspension bridge. University President Kao Chun-hsiung (高俊雄) confirmed the institution's full cooperation with ongoing rescue operations and announced activation of a comprehensive multi-department assistance mechanism. The coordinated response demonstrates the university's commitment to supporting international students during emergency situations and ensuring all available resources support the search efforts.
Adverse weather conditions forced volunteer firefighters to suspend search operations at 7:50 p.m. Nanhua University's security officer and international office staff arrived at the scene at 5 a.m. Tuesday to provide student support and monitor continuing search efforts. University officials emphasized the critical importance of avoiding recreational activities in dangerous waters, urging all students to prioritize personal safety during outdoor activities and avoid hazardous locations that pose drowning risks. ◼