Typhoon Jangmi Forces Early Return for Keelung-Ishigaki Ferry

Central News Agency (CNA) report from Keelung, May 31. The regular Keelung-Ishigaki ferry route, which launched on the 28th, saw its return flight affected by Typhoon Jangmi. To ensure safety, the return trip from Ishigaki to Keelung was moved up from the originally scheduled evening of the 31st (Japan time) to 11:00 AM today, arriving at Keelung Port before 8:00 PM (Taiwan time). Due to cruise ship operations, passengers were able to disembark and clear customs after 8:30 PM.

Hua-Gang Group General Manager Hung Yu-hang told the media that according to forecasts, wave heights in the Ishigaki waters were under 3 meters this morning, allowing for safe passage. However, if the ship had departed as scheduled, wave heights would have reached 3 to 4 meters, and combined with the typhoon's wind and rain, it could have compromised passenger safety and comfort, leading to the decision to depart early.

Hua-Gang Group announced via the ferry's PA system that unlimited drinking water, bread, and sandwiches would be provided for lunch and dinner.

Hung stated that there were 161 passengers on today's flight from Ishigaki to Keelung, about 40 fewer than the inaugural trip. In addition to some Japanese passengers who only bought one-way tickets, four passengers requested cancellations. For those who requested cancellations before departure, the full fare and taxes will be refunded. No fees will be charged for those who requested to reschedule. (Editor: Li Shu-hua)