Taitung fishing harbor boats occupy paid parking spots; county says emergency use is free but requires immediate removal post-typhoon

In Taitung, Taiwan, the Fugang Fishing Harbor has seen an unusual sight as paid parking spaces are occupied not by vehicles, but by fishing boats seeking refuge from the approaching Typhoon Bailu. This measure is a direct response to the costly lessons learned from previous typhoons, which saw boats colliding and sinking even when moored within the harbor.

Over a dozen fishermen pooled resources to hire cranes, lifting their smaller rafts ashore. They have placed the boats on makeshift foundations of old tires, secured with ropes, to prevent damage from strong waves. This proactive approach aims to avoid the millions of New Taiwan dollars in repair costs incurred in past years when boats were damaged or lost.

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Fishermen said that in the past two years, ships have sunk, and everyone is afraid. Rather than inspecting fishing boats in the wind and rain, lifting them ashore to guard against the typhoon allows them to sleep soundly.

The county government acknowledges the fishermen's plight, classifying the boats' presence in parking spots as an emergency measure. While they permit this temporary arrangement, officials emphasize that the boats must be immediately removed from the harbor area once the typhoon has passed. The unusual scene highlights the challenges faced by coastal communities in adapting to increasingly severe weather events.

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Fishermen are taking refuge in the parking spaces for emergency purposes, so there is no violation. Furthermore, the county government will not charge for this. Everyone is helpless, and besides, there are no license plates, so we can't charge.