The Fisheries Agency of Taiwan has arranged support for crews on stranded fishing vessel Chuan I Shin, which ran aground on the Beveridge Reef in Niue, and was later on destroyed by fire.
The Agency immediately arranged repatriation for crews on the vessel and maintained communication with the Niue Government to facilitate follow-up arrangements.
As soon as reports of the incident had been receive, the Agency co-ordinated with other Taiwanese vessels to collect Chuan I Shin’s Taiwanese master and observer, and nine Indonesian crew, while also remaining in touch with the vessel’s owner.
According to an Agency representative, Chuan I Shin was transiting the Niue EEZ to reach other fishing grounds, and logbook data indicates a catch of around 500kg on board, none of which was caught inside the Niue EEZ.
The 23.93 metre Chuan I Shin was built in 2009 and is registered in Kaohsiung. Concerning the removal of the wreck, the Fisheries Agency has undertaken to facilitate effective communication between those concerned, and has contacted the Niue Government to provide relevant information as required to assist in their investigation.
Due to the language barrier that may exist between the vessel owner and the Niue authority, the Fisheries Agency of Taiwan will also provide assistance to facilitate communication among the concerned parties.
