Taiwan's Coast Guard used a water cannon to drive away a Chinese fishing boat near Dongsha Island, also known as Pratas Island, in the South China Sea.
The incident took place on Thursday, October 1, 2026, and it was reported to Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA) on October 2.
According to the CGA, its 4,000-tonne patrol vessel Yunlin found two Chinese fishing boats about 27 nautical miles east of Dongsha Island. Taiwan said the location is within its restricted waters.
One Fishing Boat Leaves, Another Refuses.
The two vessels were identified as Yue Hui Dong Yu 75066 and Jin Sha.
Taiwan's Coast Guard said it repeatedly advised both boats to leave the area. Yue Hui Dong Yu 75066 complied with the order and sailed away.
The Jin Sha, however, did not leave despite repeated radio warnings. According to the CGA, the patrol vessel did not order the fishing boat away but tried three times to order it away before launching its water cannon.
Water Cannon Used Twice
The Yunlin initially used its water cannon for about 30 seconds from about 200 metres away, according to the Coast Guard.
When that did not prompt the Jin Sha to leave, the patrol vessel moved closer and sprayed water at the fishing boat for approximately 90 seconds.
Taiwan’s Coast Guard described the move as part of its standard operating procedures to deal with vessels it says have entered its restricted waters. Focus Taiwan reported the CGA regarded the water cannon as a low-lethal weapon.
Fishing Boat Later Lost Power.
The situation did not end with the water-cannon operation. According to the Taiwanese Coast Guard, the Jin Sha later experienced a loss of power while leaving the area.
The Yunlin remained nearby and checked on the crew. The Coast Guard said the crew was safe.
The Taiwanese patrol vessel also provided 35 hot meals to the Chinese fishing boat's crew after they asked for help. The Jin Sha was towed outside the restricted waters.
🇹🇼🇨🇳 Taiwan used a water cannon on a Chinese fishing boat after it ignored 3 warnings to leave restricted waters near Dongsha Island.
— 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗝𝗿 (@John_kennedyjr_) October 3, 2026
After the boat lost power, Taiwan confirmed the crew were safe, delivered 35 hot meals, then towed the vessel out. pic.twitter.com/uhnjAMqmwW
Chinese Vessel Handed Over for Assistance.
After the Jin Sha was towed out of the restricted area, it was handed over to another Chinese vessel for further assistance.
The Coast Guard said it was committed to what it described as the lawful protection of Taiwan's maritime borders. China's coast guard also said it would not allow fishing vessels to violate the international treaty under which Taiwan is located.
Taiwan says fishing activity by Chinese vessels near Dongsha has increased and can affect marine resources in the region.
Why Dongsha Island Matters
Dongsha, or Pratas Island, is located around 450 kilometres southwest of Kaohsiung and is controlled by Taiwan. The island and surrounding waters have become a target of repeated meetings between Taiwanese authorities and Chinese boats.
The latest incident adds to ongoing maritime tensions between Beijing and Taipei. But the immediate clash did not result in arrests or injuries, and the Chinese fishing vessel eventually left the area.
The incident was first reported publicly on October 2, and international media including the South China Morning Post reported on it on October 3.
