Experienced firefighter dies during rescue in Nantou’s treacherous mountain waters

A firefighter from Nantou County’s Xinyi station died while trying to rescue people stranded on a riverbank during a rafting incident. The inflatable boat overturned when the current suddenly became too strong, and the firefighter was swept away.

The firefighter held an IRB rescue-boat certification and had extensive experience in mountain searches. Colleagues said he had taken part in many mountain rescue operations, including the 2019 search for the well-known climber known as “Bikini G Brother” after his fall in the Nan Three Sections.

He had served as a firefighter for nearly 20 years and turned 50 this year. Colleagues said he had previously mentioned wanting to retire after reaching that age. Instead, he died while carrying out a rescue mission, leaving them deeply saddened.

The Nantou Fire Bureau said he successfully helped rescue one stranded rafting passenger during the first boat operation. When he set out again, the water changed suddenly and the boat could not withstand the current. The bureau said Nantou’s mountainous terrain and numerous streams make rescue work especially dangerous, with waterways capable of becoming turbulent almost instantly.

The bureau said it would continue strengthening water-rescue training. It also urged the public to assess conditions carefully and stop mountain or water activities when the weather is poor.