Yilan, Taiwan — December 15, 2025
A Vietnamese migrant worker tragically drowned after falling into the sea while crab hunting with his brother at the Baimi Creek estuary in Su’ao, Yilan County. The 25-year-old man went missing on the evening of December 12, and after three days of extensive search efforts, his body was recovered on Monday morning.
The brothers, both employed at a well-known shipbuilding company in Su’ao, had gone to the estuary after work to catch crabs. The younger brother reportedly slipped into the water and was swept away, prompting immediate rescue efforts.
Teams from the Su’ao Port branch of the Harbor Fire Department and the Yilan County Fire Bureau conducted coordinated search operations over the past three days. Despite their efforts, the young man was initially not found, likely having sunk beneath the water.
On Monday at around 9:00 a.m., rescue personnel on inflatable boats continued searching the estuary area and discovered a floating body near the site of the accident. The victim was brought ashore, where his brother confirmed the tragic news.
The recovered body has been taken by the Su’ao Port Fire Department for further handling, and authorities will submit the case to the prosecutor’s office for formal examination.
This incident highlights the dangers of recreational activities near water bodies, even for experienced individuals, and the risks faced by migrant workers engaging in such activities after long work hours.