Coast Guard evacuates Taiwanese and Japanese stranded in Tuvalu

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A Coast Guard patrol vessel has evacuated three Taiwanese conscripts and two Japanese nationals stranded in Tuvalu. Last year Taiwan sent three conscripts to Tuvalu, its diplomatic ally. When Tuvalu closed its borders in March due to the pandemic, Taiwan had requested permission to evacuate the conscripts, but was rejected until last month. Following the successful evacuation, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association took to Facebook to express its thanks, calling Taiwan a good, reliable neighbor.
Clad in life vests, the passengers carry their luggage on deck. One by one, they are disinfected by health officials.
Due to the pandemic, Tuvalu stopped sea, land, and air transportation in March. This left Taiwanese conscripts posted to Tuvalu stranded. The Coast Guard’s Shun Hu No. 8 set sail from Kaohsiung in early August and arrived in Tuvalu on Aug. 21, picking up three conscripts and two Japanese citizens.
The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association took to Facebook to say that Taiwan has once again made a contribution to the international community, following its evacuation of foreign citizens from Peru. The post also called Taiwan a “reliable, good neighbor,” and used the hashtag #TaiwanCanHelp the world.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that previous attempts to rescue stranded personnel had been unsuccessful. Last month, Tuvalu officials finally gave the approval for an evacuation, said MOFA. A Coast Guard patrol vessel out at sea took on the rescue mission, traveling more than 14,000 kilometers. The ministry also said it was happy that along the way, it was able to help the Japanese citizens.
Chen Su-chuan
Coast Guard Administration
To my brothers and my colleagues, you have all worked hard. The director-general is very grateful to everyone. You have accomplished another great feat and made history for yourselves.
Shun Hu No. 8 has returned to Taiwan safely. Its crew is undergoing home-quarantine per epidemic control rules and the five passengers have taken quarantine taxis to designated hotels. The evacuation has demonstrated Taiwan’s maritime diplomacy and the nation’s contributions to the international community, officials said.