Tainan, Taiwan — A Taiwanese fishing boat from Kaohsiung’s Hsingda Port caught fire off the coast of Anping, Tainan, on the morning of December 10, 2025. The incident occurred approximately 21 nautical miles offshore while the vessel was engaged in fishing operations.
The Tainan Coast Guard Team under the Fleet Headquarters received a report from the Sixth Patrol District Command around 9:00 a.m.. A Coast Guard vessel was dispatched to assist in extinguishing the blaze. Due to the intensity of the fire, the four crew members, including the captain, were first transferred to another fishing vessel working nearby. They were safely transported back to Hsingda Port with no injuries reported.
Coast Guard units arrived at the scene near 10:30 a.m. and began firefighting operations using high-pressure water jets. The captain of the fishing vessel suspected that the fire was caused by an engine oil leak. By 12:38 p.m., the fire was brought under control. To prevent re-ignition, the burned vessel was monitored by the patrol ship PP-10051. Later, the vessel sank around 4:30 p.m..
Authorities confirmed that no oil leakage was detected during the incident. The Coast Guard also notified the Southern Navigation Center of the Maritime and Port Bureau and advised vessels transiting the area to exercise caution.
The Tainan Coast Guard reminded fishermen to check all navigation and mechanical equipment before going to sea, particularly during the northeast monsoon season, when weather conditions can change rapidly. Recreational mariners are advised to consult the GoOcean Marine Recreation Risk Information Platform operated by the National Taiwan Ocean University for real-time sea conditions and to wear appropriate safety gear. In case of emergencies, the public is urged to call the Coast Guard “118” hotline for immediate assistance.