On January 1st, the Panama-flagged bulk carrier "CSE Prosperity Express" ran aground off the coast ofualien, Taiwan Province, after reporting a main engine failure and encountering severe weather.

The bulk carrier was waiting to be piloted into Hualien Harbor when it strong northeast monsoon winds and rough seas, causing the vessel to drift towards the shore.

In response to this emergency, a tugboat numbered 13205 dispatched to assist the distressed vessel. The assisting tugboat lost power after becoming entangled in the cargo ship's tow cable.

Due to the severe weather and the tug's proximity to the rocky and sandy coastline, local authorities deemed it unsafe to evacuate the crew.

Subsequently, a Black Hawk helicopter was deployed to evacuate crew from the tugboat. One crew member sustained a head injury and has been transported to the hospital for treatment.

All 17 crew members on board the "C Prosperity Express," including 5 Filipino and 12 Chinese Taiwanese sailors, are safe and well, and not in immediate danger.

At present, the carrier remains grounded at the original location, awaiting rescue operations.

The "CSE Prosperity Express," built in 2006, measures 16.26 meters in length and 27.2 meters in width. The ship was en route from the Thathong anchorage in Thailand to Hualien Harbor at time of the incident.