The Godspeed: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a heartbreaking incident on March 9, 2020, at 8:45 p.m., the container ship 'Godspeed' collided with the pilot boat 'Yonghua Lu' as it was maneuvering through New Taipei City on its arrival from Taichung. The 20-ton 'Yonghua Lu,' which had recently dropped off a pilot on another vessel, sustained significant damage, resulting in a large crack on its starboard side before capsizing. Emergency response efforts were quickly mobilized, with the Taipei Port Fire Fighting Unit leading the rescue, assisted by the New Taipei City Fire Station and Marine Patrol units. Additionally, the fishing vessel 'Hengfu' and nearby tugboats participated in the search and rescue operation. The 'Godspeed' docked safely at Taipei Port at 9 p.m. Shortly thereafter, a mobile crane was deployed to retrieve the wreckage of the pilot boat, which was successfully hoisted onto the quay at the 16 East general cargo terminal at 9:50 p.m. Rescuers entered the cabin of the overturned vessel, where they discovered one crew member. Unfortunately, despite immediate medical attention, he was declared dead at Tamsui Stable Hospital at 11:15 p.m. The 59-year-old captain of the 'Yonghua Lu' was initially reported missing, prompting extensive search efforts by patrol boats 'Taoyuan,' '10065,' and '3572' in the waters between the North 6 and North 7 container terminals of Taipei Port. In a somber update, on March 10 at 12:30 a.m., the body of Captain Yang, age 59, was recovered from the waters. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers faced in maritime operations. For more details, Taiwanese news outlets report with accompanying video footage: https://video.udn.com/news/1171263.