failures

The Control Yuan has censured the Fisheries Agency for failing to effectively
assist local governments in evacuating crew members from fishing boats during
typhoons that made landfall in Taiwan between July and October last year.

The censure follows an investigation by government watchdog members Ji
Hui-rong and Wang Yu-ling.

The investigation found that many fishing crew members had remained aboard
their vessels during Typhoons Gaemi, Krathon, and Kong-rey, despite local
government orders to evacuate all fishing vessels under 100-metric tonnes.

According to the investigation, 15 of Taiwan's 19 cities and counties with
fishing ports issued evacuation orders requiring such vessels to "fully
evacuate" their crews to safety.

The probe found that while some crew members briefly came ashore for a roll
call, that were later instructed by their employers to return to their boats.

The Control Yuan members say the Fisheries Agency not only failed to assist
local governments to enforcing orders, but also shifted the burden onto local
authorities - highlighting what they're describing as a case of "major
negligence" in its administration.