Tourist boat accident leaves four dead

A sightseeing daytrip turned tragic yesterday afternoon when a boat taking tourists to Hsiao Liuchiu (小琉球) island caught fire and sank shortly after leaving Tungkang Township (東港) in Pingtung County. Four people drowned and more than 30 were injured in the accident.

The boat's owner, 52-year-old Chang Chien-Kun (張乾坤), was among those killed.

According to a statement from the Coast Guard Administration (CGA), the tourist boat Kuan-kuang Hao (觀光號) departed at 12:20pm for Hsiao Liuchiu island, about a half-hour's ride away, carrying 142 passengers and seven crew. Ten minutes later the blaze started. As the flames and smoke grew more intense, some passengers panicked and jumped into the water.

According to passengers, as the fire raged, Chang distributed all the boat's available life jackets, then jumped without a life vest into the water.

The CGA dispatched 10 boats to rescue the passengers and put out the fire. CGA personnel rescued 145 passengers from the burning boat and the water, but Chang and three passengers drowned before rescuers could reach them.

Injured passengers were sent to two hospitals in Tungkang. One victim was in intensive care as of press time yesterday, while the others were in good condition. Most were treated for minor burns or smoke inhalation.

The scene at the hospital was chaotic, with scared passengers crying and trying to find out if their family members and friends had survived the accident.

The Pingtung County Prosecutors' Office said it has launched an investigation into the accident. The office said prosecutors would summon officials of the company which operated the boat for questioning.

The Kaohsiung Harbor Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications said the 143-tonne Kuan-kuang Hao has sailed for 11 years and never before had an accident. It passed a safety check this May. The bureau said it too would investigate the accident.

The fire likely started in the boat's engine, and diesel oil stored on board ignited, further fueling the flames, according to the CGA statement.

Police said the boat could carry 180 passengers. The passengers aboard yesterday were taking a day trip to Hsiao Liuchiu. Police said seven tourist boats sail every day from Tungkang to the small island, which boasts coral reefs and rich marine life.