Penghu Fishing Boat Catches Fire; Owner Burned and Medevaced for Treatment

(CNA, Penghu County, 20th) The Penghu fishing boat "Hang Li Cai" caught fire in its cabin this morning as its engine was being started for a sea voyage. The captain, surnamed Hsu, suffered burns while fighting the fire and was subsequently sent to Tri-Service General Hospital's Penghu Branch for treatment. The fire was extinguished by firefighters, and its cause is pending investigation by the fire bureau.

The Penghu County Government Fire Bureau stated that they received a report from the public at 4:23 AM today about a fishing boat on fire at Nanhu Fishing Port in Cimei Township. The Cimei Fire Branch was immediately dispatched with 2 vehicles and 5 personnel to the scene. The fire was extinguished within 16 minutes. The boat owner, a man in his 60s surnamed Hsu, sustained multiple burns to his face, hands, chest, and abdomen during the firefighting process.

Mr. Hsu indicated that he was preparing to go out to sea in the early morning and saw fire erupt from the cabin when he started the engine. Although he attempted to extinguish it himself, he could not control the blaze, resulting in burns to his face and other areas. He was escorted to the Cimei Health Center for medical attention, where he was assessed with second-degree burns covering approximately 20% of his body, necessitating an urgent medical evacuation. Shortly before 7 AM, he was airlifted by a rescue helicopter to Penghu Airport and then transferred by ambulance to the Tri-Service General Hospital's Penghu Branch for emergency care.

The Fire Bureau stated that the cause of the fire on the "Hang Li Cai" and the extent of property damage are under investigation by the bureau's fire investigation team.