An American student has gone missing after being swept into the ocean by strong waves off the coast of Dongxing Temple in New Taipei’s Gongliao District on Friday afternoon, according to New Taipei’s Fire Department. The incident occurred on the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, which typically draws large numbers of beachgoers to Taiwan’s coastal areas.
📍 Incident Overview: How It Happened
The Fire Department said they received an emergency call at 5:37 p.m. reporting that three members of a group of eight foreign nationals had been swept off wave breakers by powerful waves. The three individuals were located roughly 100 meters from the shoreline when the incident occurred. Two were rescued by surfers nearby, but one man remains missing.
Eyewitnesses reported that the group, composed of students aged 19 to 20, had been playing near the rocky wave breakers for some time before the waves surged and dragged them into deeper waters. Surfers heard cries for help and managed to save two of the three individuals in distress, but the third was pulled too far out by the current for any immediate rescue attempt.
🚨 Search and Rescue Operations: Air, Sea, and Land Units Mobilized
Authorities immediately launched a multi-agency search and rescue operation involving:
- Firefighters from Gongliao and nearby Shuangxi Station
- Two Coast Guard vessels conducting sea patrols
- Local police overseeing coordination and beach safety
However, rescuers reported that low visibility, changing tides, and fading daylight hampered progress on Friday evening.
The Coast Guard confirmed that search teams would resume intensified efforts at dawn using thermal imaging and sonar where possible.
⚠️ Broader Holiday Safety Context: 2 Drownings Reported
This incident marks the second drowning-related emergency in Taiwan on the same day. Earlier on Friday, a Mexican tourist also went missing off Green Island, a popular snorkeling destination. Authorities are continuing to search both locations.
The Dragon Boat Festival weekend typically draws tens of thousands of domestic and international tourists to Taiwan’s beaches. However, despite clear skies, early summer rip currents, strong winds, and sudden wave swells make certain coastal areas risky.
🌊 Gongliao: A Scenic Yet Treacherous Spot
Dongxing Temple beach in Gongliao is famous for its picturesque views, wave breakers, and shallow tide pools, but its wave conditions can change rapidly. The beach is popular among surfers and youth tourists, many of whom lack awareness of local marine hazards.
According to data from Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council, the Gongliao coastline has recorded at least 12 near-drowning or drowning cases in the last five years, many involving tourists unfamiliar with local currents and wave patterns.
🇹🇼 Rescue Challenges in Taiwan’s Coastal Emergency Response
This tragedy highlights ongoing challenges in Taiwan’s coastal safety and emergency response systems:
- Many beaches, especially in remote or less-commercialized areas, lack dedicated lifeguards or real-time warning systems.
- Foreign tourists, particularly younger ones or exchange students, often underestimate the risks and may not speak or read warning signs posted in Mandarin.
- Emergency response times are generally quick, but search and recovery operations become complex after sunset due to Taiwan’s jagged coastline and inconsistent marine infrastructure.
🧭 Authorities Urge Caution and Education
In response to this latest incident, Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration and Ministry of Education said they would review safety protocols for foreign students and consider stronger awareness campaigns, especially during public holidays.
Local officials emphasized:
“We urge the public, especially international visitors, to respect wave warnings and avoid approaching rocky wave breakers or unguarded beaches.”
They added that Taiwan’s rescue services were committed to locating the missing individuals and would continue operations through the night and weekend if necessary.
❓ FAQs
Who is the missing tourist?
The name has not yet been released, but he is reported to be a 19 or 20-year-old American student, part of a group of eight foreigners traveling in Taiwan.
What happened during the incident?
Three individuals were swept into the sea by a sudden wave. Two were rescued; one was lost to the current and remains missing.
Who is conducting the search and rescue?
Firefighters from Gongliao and Shuangxi stations, the Coast Guard Administration, and local police are working jointly.
Is the beach typically safe?
While scenic, Dongxing Temple beach has strong wave activity and sudden swells, making it potentially dangerous, especially near the breakers.
Has this area seen similar accidents before?
Yes. The coastline around Gongliao has recorded multiple water-related incidents, often involving tourists or unguarded zones.
