The Fleet Branch of the Coast Guard Administration (CGA), in collaboration with the Fisheries Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, is set to launch the “2025 Third Pacific High Seas Fisheries Patrol Mission.” The HSUN Hu No.8 is scheduled to set sail on October 20 and return on November 18.
To mark the departure, Minister Kuan Bi-ling of the Ocean Affairs Council visited Kaohsiung Port to encourage the crew. She reminded all personnel to make safety their top priority, and commended the Coast Guard’s long-standing dedication to distant-water patrol operations—now in its 25th consecutive year, with a total voyage distance exceeding 560,000 nautical miles, equivalent to 26 laps around the Earth’s equator. Minister Kuan praised this remarkable record, emphasizing that “each voyage marks a new milestone in Taiwan’s maritime history.”
Minister Kuan noted that “the more remote the place, the more visible the Coast Guard’s presence.” From officers assisting with disaster recovery efforts in Hualien to those embarking on long-distance missions thousands of miles across the Pacific, Coast Guard members stand as steadfast guardians of maritime security and national interests. Every deployment, she said, represents a fusion of professionalism and dedication that contributes to the safety and stability of Taiwan’s maritime domain.
Minister Kuan further emphasized that high seas fisheries patrols are more than routine missions—they also stand as a powerful symbol of Taiwan’s role as a responsible maritime nation on the international stage.
Since the program’s launch in 2000, the Coast Guard Administration and the Fisheries Agency have jointly completed 69 patrol missions, covering more than 560,000 nautical miles (approximately 1.03 million kilometers)—the equivalent of 26 circumnavigations of the equator.
“This achievement,” she said, “is not only a source of national pride but also a collective honor for every member of the Coast Guard.”
Minister Kuan once again reminded all personnel that “safety is the foundation of mission success.” She urged captains and commanding officers to closely monitor voyage conditions, attend to the crew’s physical and mental well-being, and ensure the safe and smooth completion of the mission.
In closing, Minister Kuan encouraged all Coast Guard officers and crew members, stating that this mission is not only about patrolling the high seas but also about safeguarding Taiwan’s fishing rights and upholding maritime order. She expressed confidence that through their unwavering dedication, the Coast Guard flag continues to fly proudly over the Pacific, symbolizing Taiwan’s enduring maritime spirit and international commitment.