Ocean Researcher V

Ocean Researcher V (Chinese: 海研五號; pinyin: Hǎiyán Wǔ Hào) sunk on the evening of 10 October 2014 off the coast of Penghu, Taiwan.

Sinking of Ocean Researcher V
海研五號

The preserved model of Ocean Researcher V
Date	10 October 2014
Time	8:11 p.m.[1]
Location	Off Penghu, Taiwan
Cause	Collision of the reef off Penghu Islands caused by the chaotic conditions of Typhoon Vongfong
Deaths	2
Survivors	43
On board	45

Background

The ship was operated by the Taiwan Ocean Research Institute, part of the National Applied Research Laboratories under the Ministry of Science and Technology. It cost NT$1.46 billion and weighted 2,700 tons with a maximum speed of 12 knots.[1] The ship's dimensions were 72.6 metres in length and 15.4 metres in width.[2] The vessel was built in Taiwan and first commissioned in August 2012.[3]

Chronology

The ship departed on 9 October 2014 from Anping Harbor in Anping District, Tainan for an eight-day cruise researching pollutants in the atmosphere and how they propagate.[4] Those aboard included researchers from the Academia Sinica, Taiwan Typhoon and Flood Research Institute, graduate students from National Taiwan Ocean University, National Yang Ming University, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology and National Cheng Kung University.[1]

On the evening of 10 October 2014, due to Typhoon Vongfong, the ship ran onto a reef off the Penghu Islands, stranding all on board when the ship listed and began to take in water, sinking at 8:11 pm. Most of the occupants boarded life-rafts to await rescue.

Rescue operations

Eight rescue helicopters, two C-130 transport planes, four navy frigates and five patrol boats were sent to the accident scene.[4]

Casualties

One researcher was pronounced dead upon arrival at hospital and another died when attempts to resuscitate him failed.[1] They were identified as Hsu Shih-chieh and Lin Yi-chun.[5][6]

See also

• Transportation in Taiwan

References

1. Chen, Chi-fong; Wu, Lilian; Lee, Bear (11 October 2014). "2 dead, 43 rescued after research ship sinks off Penghu". Central News Agency. Retrieved 17 October 2014.
2. Huang, Chien-hua Chung; Liu, Yu-ching; Chung, Jake (11 October 2014). "Research vessel flounders off Penghu". Taipei Times. Retrieved 17 October 2014.
3. Lin, Milly and Elaine; Wang, Shwu-fen; Chen, Yi-wei; Hou, Elaine (11 October 2014). "2 dead, 24 injured in research shipwreck; investigation underway". Retrieved 17 October 2014.
4. Lin, Sean; Pan, Jason (12 October 2014). "Officials probe sinking of vessel". Taipei Times. Retrieved 17 October 2014.
5. Lin, Meng-ju; Chen, Jay (11 October 2014). "Research shipwreck victims identified". Central News Agency. Retrieved 17 October 2014.
6. Lin, Sean (12 October 2014). "Shipwreck to impact research". Taipei Times. Retrieved 17 October 2014.