Cargo Ship Runs Aground at Penghu Pier, Second Rescue Attempt Planned

The Hai Sheng No. 1 ran aground at Longmen Jianshan Pier in Penghu while turning to berth, forcing rescuers to postpone the vessel’s removal until the tide improved.

The cargo ship entered the port area from Budai in Chiayi early on the 31st carrying freight. At 2:52 a.m., it was attempting to turn toward Pier 6 when it grounded at Pier 7. The first towing operation did not succeed because the tide was falling, and officials abandoned the attempt over concerns about the ship’s safety.

A tugboat, the Dalong 16, was contacted to assist. Authorities planned a second towing attempt at 10 a.m. If that failed, they intended to try again around 1:21 p.m., when the tide was high. The nine people aboard, including seven Taiwanese crew members and two foreign nationals, faced no immediate danger. Initial information indicated that the hull was not damaged.

Strong southerly winds were being considered as a possible cause, although experts had not yet completed their assessment. The incident came shortly after the operator, Yongfa Marine, held a customer appreciation and departure blessing ceremony for the ship at the same pier on the 18th. The ceremony drew Penghu officials, port authorities and company executives.

Built in October 2015, the ship can carry 56 dry containers and 16 refrigerated containers. It also suffered a fire in April and underwent repairs before returning to service.