On March 7th, Taiwan Fisheries Agency received a report regarding an incident that an assault occurred on-board a Taiwanese fishing vessel " JENN MING YANG NO. 368" in Port Louis, Mauritius, which resulted in injury of the Taiwanese captain on-board. Subsequently, the agency confirmed that the captain had been provided with medical treatment, and was convalescing. A specialist of TFA stationed in Mauritius was promptly dispatched to deliver the agency’s message of sympathy and collect relevant information of the case. In addition, TFA suggested that the vessel’s operator should report the incident to the local police department in order to emphasize the stance of zero tolerance towards violence.

  TFA indicates that the Taiwanese captain was assaulted by several Indonesian crew members onboard the vessel. However, the motive of the crews is currently unclear. TFA states that if there is a communication barrier between crew members, or crew members wish to address certain issues, they should raise the grievance via appropriate channel, which includes the hotlines provided by the Ministry of Labor (1955 within Taiwan or +886-2-8073-3141 from outside Taiwan), in addition to the "Taiwan Foreign Crew Interaction Service Platform" established to resolve such case concerning relevant grievance by the TFA. Furthermore, TFA has been conducting inspections at domestic and foreign ports to ensure the labor conditions onboard fishing vessels. TFA also emphasizes that there is zero tolerance for violence, whether from crew members or captains.

  TFA urges that the operators, captains, and crew members of distant water fishing vessels shall treat each other with empathy in order to maintain a harmonious working environment. With respect to the case, TFA will continue conducting the investigation in order to clarify the facts pertaining to the incident. If it is confirmed that the crew members have committed such assault, the agency will impose penalties on the crew members, forbidding them from being employed by Taiwanese fishing vessels. However, if there is evidence showing that there was an inappropriate discipline committed by the officers, TFA will also take necessary measures to legally safeguard the rights and benefits of the individuals.

    Contact Person: Xue Poyuan

    Email: poyuan0720@ms1.fa.gov.tw

Taiwan Foreign Crew Interactive Service Platform: https://www.en.happyfisherman.tw/

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