Beijing's semi-official organization dealing with cross-Straits
relations yesterday expressed its gratitude for Taipei's efforts to
save 132 mainland fishermen from a burning vessel off southern
Taiwan's port of Kaohsiung.
"We thank all the departments concerned and people on the Taiwan
side for their great efforts to rescue these mainland compatriots,"
said a spokesman with the Association for Relations Across the
Taiwan Straits (ARATS).
The spokesman asked the Taiwan side to continue to help take care
of the fishermen and search for one more missing man.
He
said he hoped that relevant Taiwan departments could guarantee the
personal safety of mainland fishermen and avoid a repeat tragedy in
the future.
Taiwanese rescuers in helicopters and dinghies airlifted all 132
Chinese mainland fishermen stranded on the boat Yuansheng 2 while a
tropical storm whipped up high seas and gales.
The boat was a floating dormitory for mainland fishermen who work
for Taiwanese fishing companies but do not have ''visas'' to leave
the port or stay in Taiwan.
Rescue officials said they believe all the men have made it to land
and have been accounted for.
Taiwan's ''Central'' News Agency said at least six or seven
fishermen threw themselves into the rough seas whipped by tropical
storm Nakri, which was heading towards the island, packing gusty
winds and torrential rains.
One man remains missing, and rescuers are still searching for him,
the agency said.
Seven other fishermen, meanwhile, had to be rushed to a local
hospital; one of them is in serious condition, the agency said.
The operation in waters off the city of Kaohsiung, on Taiwan's
southwest tip, took four hours to complete and was televised.
The fire, which erupted at 8:30 am, was believed to have been
caused by a short circuit, officials said.
Two navy Sikorsky Blackhawk helicopters lowered lines to the crew
and pulled many up two at a time. Other fishermen swam to nearby
rescuers in inflatable dinghies.
Taiwan has strict regulations for mainland people who are not
allowed to come ashore on the island.
But they are allowed to enter Taiwanese harbors in storms or other
emergencies.
(China
Daily July 10, 2002)