Full Inspection of Boats at Hualien's Liyu Lake; County Govt: Operations to Resume in June at the Earliest

(CNA, Hualien County, 15th, Reporter Chang Chi) After a swan paddle boat capsized at Hualien's Liyu Lake during the Lunar New Year, leading to the drowning of a 9-year-old boy, the managing authority ordered a halt to water recreational activities. The Hualien County Government stated today that 143 boats are undergoing safety inspections, and operations are expected to resume in June at the earliest.

Following the capsizing accident, operators have been suspended for nearly three months. After multiple negotiations between central and local authorities, it was decided that once the county government establishes buoyancy aid safety checks in accordance with the Maritime and Port Bureau's operational guidelines, operators can apply to the East Rift Valley National Scenic Area Administration to resume business.

Yu Ming-hsun, Director of the Hualien County Government's Tourism Department, explained today that the county government has now established a safety inspection process and standards for the boats. Operators who complete the inspection according to the regulations can apply to resume operations.

Yu said that the existing format has been simplified as much as possible to serve as a standard for operators to follow. The inspection will be carried out by technicians from the third-party Kaohsiung Ship-building Technicians Association, with professionals conducting the checks and certification. It is expected that the inspection of all 143 boats at Liyu Lake will be completed by June 10. After completing the inspection, operators are expected to be able to resume business sequentially in June at the earliest.

Yu also stated that operators will be regulated to conduct one safety check per year, with large vessels being inspected approximately every three years.

The East Rift Valley National Scenic Area Administration stated that after the boats pass inspection, operators must still provide proof of insurance, valid lifeguard certificates, and business registration documents. Approval to resume operations will only be granted after confirming the overall safety of the water activities.

The administration also mentioned that they are concurrently promoting a draft of the Liyu Lake water area management regulations to institutionalize management. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150515