A 23-year-old woman and three companions went free diving in the waters around Shadao near Eluanbi in Pingtung on the 22nd afternoon. Half an hour later, her friends realized she was missing and promptly reported the incident. The Coast Guard mobilized a comprehensive sea search and found her resting on a reef at Taiwan’s southernmost landmark an hour and a half later.
She appeared to be exhausted and quite shaken. The location where she was found was 200 meters away from where they had started diving. Fortunately, she was conscious and showed no obvious injuries and was safely transported back to the Eluanbi Fishing Harbor.
After a preliminary examination by medical personnel, the woman was only found to be in shock. After a short rest, she returned without the need for medical treatment. The Shore Patrol Team advises that due to the recent influence of the northeast monsoon (and downslope wind) in the Pingtung area, the weather and sea conditions are frequently changing, and the waves are unstable. The public is urged to carefully assess the weather, sea conditions, and safety of the activity area if they wish to engage in water recreation or offshore operations.
The Southern Sub-bureau Sixth Shore Patrol Team stated that the woman went diving in the waters of Sand Island at 3 pm on the 22nd with three friends. For unknown reasons, she didn’t return to shore with her companions. After receiving the report, the 6th Shore Patrol Team, 14th Coast Guard Team, Kenting Fire Brigade, and private rescue associations were mobilized. Personnel, coast guard boats, and jet skis were dispatched for rescue. At 4:40 pm, the missing female diver was found 200 meters from Taiwan’s southernmost landmark.
