Rescuers today found the body of a high-school student surnamed Chen (陳) on the northern shore of Taitung County’s Douli (都歷) beach after an overnight search.
Chen was with his younger brother when he was pulled into the sea by currents yesterday, giving his brother a swimming board to let him escape.
After receiving a report that he had gone missing at about 4pm, a helicopter from the National Airborne Service Corps, seven patrol cars, two patrol vessels and 27 search personnel were dispatched to look for him, the Coast Guard Administration Eastern Branch said in a statement yesterday.
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Coast guard rescuers dove underwater in the dark and launched drones at 7am, with local residents joining the search in fishing boats and stand-up paddleboards.
At about 11am, a body suspected to be Chen’s was found on reef by the beach’s northern coast.
Rescuers from Donghe Township (東河) and a special search team carried him back ashore.
Rescuers believe that the accident occurred in the south-central part of the beach during low tide.
They believe that Chen was pulled out into the ocean by a northeasterly current in the area, followed by a southwesterly current, leaving him trapped in the water until he was brought back to shore during high tide this morning.
Chen was a well-performing student, had a positive attitude, was willing to help others and was well-liked by those around him, his school said.
Although he had discussed temporarily suspending his studies with his tutor, the school encouraged him to complete his courses given his good academic performance and potential for greater opportunities in the future, it said.
Following the tragedy, the school said it has activated its response plan, providing counseling to all students, strengthening safety education and reminding students to be careful when in the water.
Additional reporting by CNA
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