Village chief rescued after near-drowning using traditional fishing method

A 73-year-old village chief in Penghu County, Taiwan, was rescued after experiencing a near-drowning incident while fishing. Chen, the chief of Qitou Village, was using the traditional "baodun" method near the "Apo Baodun" area when the accident occurred.

According to the Penghu County Fire Department, the alarm was received around 4:52 PM on July 27. A man had been rescued from the sea by bystanders and brought ashore. Emergency services, including two ambulances and four firefighters from the Baisha branch, were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, rescuers found the man in cardiac arrest (OHCA) and continued the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) efforts initiated by witnesses.

The man was subsequently transported to the Penghu Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare for further emergency treatment. Reports indicate that Chen had gone fishing with his wife when she discovered him floating at sea. She immediately pulled him to shore and called for help, with nearby individuals assisting in CPR and contacting emergency services.

The "baodun" fishing technique is a unique and traditional method employed in Penghu's tidal zones. It involves constructing stone structures, known as "dun," which create enclosures. Fish are attracted to these structures during high tide and are then caught by fishermen using nets as the tide recedes and stones are removed. This method is commonly practiced in areas like Baisha Qitou and Huxi Shagang, and in recent years, it has also become a part of the local tourism industry.