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)
