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Taiwan Worker Dies After Diving Accident at CPC’s Guantang LNG Terminal: Investigation Underway

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In a tragic workplace accident on Wednesday, a 34-year-old diver identified by the surname Lee (李) lost his life while carrying out operations at CPC Corporation Taiwan’s Guantang LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) Terminal in Guanyin District, Taoyuan. This incident has sparked renewed concerns about diver safety and oversight at major infrastructure sites, particularly in the energy sector.


📍 Incident Overview:

According to Taoyuan’s Fire Department, the emergency call was received at 5:41 p.m., reporting that a worker had fallen unconscious during underwater operations at the Guantang LNG Terminal. Upon arrival, first responders found Lee already removed from the water and receiving CPR from bystanders. EMTs continued the resuscitation effort, using an automated external defibrillator (AED) before rushing Lee to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead despite intensive efforts.


🧩 Context: What Is the Guantang LNG Terminal?

The Guantang LNG Terminal is a large-scale energy infrastructure project spearheaded by CPC Corporation to meet Taiwan’s growing demand for natural gas. Located on the northwest coast of Taoyuan, the facility is part of Taiwan’s broader energy transition strategy to reduce coal dependency and meet decarbonization goals. The project has been both politically and environmentally sensitive due to its proximity to coral reef habitats and its significance for energy security.

Diving operations at the site are integral to pipeline inspections, underwater welding, and structural foundation works. Such underwater labor involves a high degree of risk and requires stringent safety protocols—especially when performed in confined spaces or deep waters under high pressure.


⚠️ Safety Oversight and Potential Violations

As of now, the Taoyuan Fire Department has not released the precise cause of the accident. However, industrial safety experts suggest that multiple factors could be involved in a diving-related fatality:

  • Decompression sickness (also known as “the bends”)
  • Equipment malfunction (e.g., air supply failure, faulty pressure regulator)
  • Human error or communication breakdown underwater
  • Improper diving supervision or failure to follow OSHA-equivalent standards

Authorities are currently investigating whether CPC Corp. or its contractors followed standard diving safety protocols, such as:

  • Pre-dive medical screening
  • Use of certified dive supervisors and surface support teams
  • Dive logs and depth/time records
  • Emergency action plans and recompression chamber availability

Given the state-owned status of CPC and the ongoing scrutiny on occupational safety in Taiwan, the investigation results will likely be made public and could lead to increased regulation for high-risk professions like commercial diving.


🔍 Broader Significance

This tragedy comes at a time when Taiwan is investing heavily in LNG as a transitional energy source to meet its climate commitments and ensure a stable electricity supply. However, critics argue that this pivot should not come at the cost of worker safety.

The Ministry of Labor and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is expected to evaluate whether additional oversight is needed at government-run industrial construction sites, especially those involving hazardous work conditions.


FAQs

What caused the diver’s death at CPC’s LNG terminal?

The official cause has not yet been determined. Possibilities include decompression sickness, equipment failure, or procedural error. Investigations are ongoing.

Was the diver a CPC employee or a contractor?

That information has not been publicly confirmed. Many diving operations at large industrial sites are subcontracted to specialist firms.

Is this the first accident at the Guantang LNG Terminal?

While there have been environmental controversies around the terminal, no prior fatal workplace incidents have been publicly recorded at the site.

What is CPC Corporation Taiwan?

CPC is Taiwan’s state-owned oil and gas company, responsible for a large portion of energy infrastructure, including LNG imports, refinery operations, and fuel distribution.

Will there be changes in diving safety protocols after this incident?

It’s likely that the Ministry of Labor will assess current regulations and enforcement for diving work, especially at publicly funded industrial sites.

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