Search and Rescue (SAR) operations are underway since Thursday afternoon, February 23, to find the fishing vessel, FV Lien-Sheng-Fa. The vessel, a Taiwanese-flagged vessel, sank northeast of Mauritius, at a distance of 370 nautical miles. Its 16 crew members, including 1 Taiwanese and 15 Indonesians, gave no sign of life.
The National Coast Guard (NCG) Dornier aircraft, which was on routine patrol in the exclusive economic zone, was requested to search for the fishing vessel, FV Lien-Sheng-Fa, which was reported missing by the Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) in Taipei. At the same time, the Maritime Regional Coordination Centers were informed of the SAR situation.
On Friday, February 24, the Dornier made another trip for this search operation. On the morning of Friday, February 24, at approximately 11:30 a.m., information was received at the NCG Operations’ Room that the Taiwanese fishing vessel was seen capsized by the merchant vessel, Star Venture at approximately 370 nautical miles northeast of Port Louis. According to this message, the capsized vessel had a red and brown keel with debris floating around it. No survivors were seen.
The hull of this vessel was completely submerged in water and its propeller was visible. The Dornier, which was on a SAR mission, was redirected to this area. However, no survivors or debris were found at the indicated location.
On the evening of Friday, February 24, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the CGS Barracuda left the Port Louis harbor and headed towards the area where this Taiwanese fishing vessel capsized.
