Taiwan's maritime authorities on Thursday encountered a series of problems after its Air Service Corps had to send a helicopter to airlift a man named Yu—part of a five-member tugboat crew who had suffered a head injury during a naval operation.
The problem began when the Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier CSE Prosperity Express (IMO: 9345647) travelling from Thailand ran aground (got stuck in shallow waters) off the coast of Hualien after reporting main engine failure on Thursday.
Severe weather conditions in the area—specifically, strong, northeasterly monsoon winds—which had pushed the vessel to the shore, added to the problem.
The vessel had reportedly been waiting for pilotage (naval guidance from a local expert) after its engine failed, which was when the strong winds pushed it closer to Hualien's shore.
The vessel contained 17 crew members, of which five were Filipino, and the rest were Taiwanese.
In response to the bulk carrier's distress signal, the Hualien Port Authority sent the Taiwangang 13205, a five-member tugboat, to pull it away from the shore and towards the Hualien Port.
However, while trying to assist the drifting vessel, the tugboat got entangled in a cable and lost propulsion amid the inclement weather. This led to Yu suffering a head laceration, explained deputy coast guard patrol team captain Wu Cheng Ta, as per a Focus Taiwan report.
He said that the patrol team requested a helicopter from the National Airborne Service Corps and mobilised approximately 40 personnel on the ground to help Yu.
The rescuers aboard the helicopter explained that an airlift became necessary after rough sea conditions prevented the use of small boats to evacuate the crew.
Once on land, Yu was rushed to the hospital, while a large salvage boat was dispatched to help the CSE Prosperity Express.
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