Two tourists visiting Xiao-liu-qiu have been referred to prosecutors on suspicion of touching sea turtles.
Coast guard personnel received a report this morning that visitors were disturbing a sea turtle near the Vase Rock coastal area.
Officers tracked down and detained two Taiwanese men at the scene.
Video footage captured during the incident clearly shows one man using both hands to touch the turtle's shell, and after the turtle swam away, a second man reaching out to touch it for several seconds.
The two men were taken in for questioning and the case has been forwarded to the Pingtung District Prosecutors Office.
The coast guard is reminding the public that when encountering wild animals, "no contact, no interference, and no feeding", with violations carrying a maximum penalty of one year in prison or a fine of up to $300-thousand NT.
Customer Service Hotline: 02-8522-7177 | Email: icrtclub@icrt.com.tw Customer Service Hours: Monday-Friday 10AM-6PM nternational Community Radio Taipei 19-5F, No. 5, Sec. 3, New Taipei Blvd., Xinzhuang Dist., New Taipei City 24250