YONG YU SING NO.

18
YONG YU SING NO. 18 HISTORY
Name Yong Yu Sing No. 18
Port of registry Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Launched 2001
Fishing vessel unified CT4-2678
Radio call number BJ4678
Country flag China
Inspection agency Ministry of Transport and
Harbor Bureau
GENERAL CHARACTERISTIC
Type Tuna Longliner
Length 29.6 m (97 ft 1 in)
Draught 5m
IMO 8546579
Hull material Fiberglass reinforced plastic
Width of ship, mold depth 2.30 meters
amidships
Gross tonnage 99
Host type/horsepower Diesel engine main engine/551
Qianli X 1
Diesel engine auxiliary
engine/119 kilowatts x 2
Safety equipment staffing 15
YONG YU SING NO. 18

Taiwan deep sea fishing boat Yong

Yu Sing No. 18 lost contact
offshore of Hawaii on December
30th, 2020.
Multiple structural damages found on
the hull of Yong Yu Sing No. 18
indicates the boat underwent strong
wind waves from multiple directions.
YONG YU SING NO. 18
It was found that the
vessel was sailing
through rough waters
with hazardous weather in
the form of explosive
cyclogenesis with a storm
radius of up to 750
nautical miles when
signal was lost at 16:50
PM of November 30th,
2020.
YONG YU
SING NO.
18
Taking all factors and evidence into account, it has
been concluded that this incident was resulted by
hazardous weather conditions.
YONG YU SING NO. 18
owner of the Taiwanese
tuna longliner Yong Yu
January
Sing No. 18 contacted
Taiwan's National Rescue
Command Center and
1
reported that he had lost
contact with the vessel.

a U.S. Coast Guard long-

January
range
located
SAR
the
aircraft
missing
vessel at a position about
2
600 nm northeast of
Midway.

January
Lian Hong's crew called
over and banged on the

11
vessel's hull

January
the fishing vessel Yi
Rong No. 18 approached
the Yong Yu Sing and

12
managed to rig a tow line.
YONG YU SING NO. 18

a U.S. Coast Guard long-

January
range
located
SAR
the
aircraft
missing
vessel at a position about
2
600 nm northeast of
Midway.
January 1
owner of the Taiwanese tuna
longliner Yong Yu Sing No. 18
January
Lian Hong's crew called

contacted Taiwan's National

over and banged on the

11
vessel's hull

Rescue Command Center and

January
the fishing vessel Yi
Rong No. 18 approached
the Yong Yu Sing and
reported that he had lost contact
12
with the vessel.
managed to rig a tow line.
YONG YU SING NO. 18

owner of the Taiwanese

tuna longliner Yong Yu
January 2
January
Sing No. 18 contacted
Taiwan's National Rescue

1
Command Center and

a U.S. Coast Guard long-range SAR

reported that he had lost
contact with the vessel.

aircraft located the missing vessel at a

January
Lian Hong's crew called
over and banged on the position about 600 nm northeast of Midway.
11
vessel's hull

Imagery showed damage to the

wheelhouse and no signs of the crew, and
January
one of the vessel's life rafts was missing.
the fishing vessel Yi
Rong No. 18 approached
the Yong Yu Sing and

12
managed to rig a tow line.
YONG YU SING NO. 18

owner of the Taiwanese

tuna longliner Yong Yu
January 11
January
Sing No. 18 contacted
Taiwan's National Rescue

1
Command Center and

The Taiwanese vessel Lian Hong No. 67

reported that he had lost
contact with the vessel.

finally reached the drifting Yong Yu Sing on

January
Lian Hong's crew called
over and banged on the January 11, and while seas were too rough
2
vessel's hull

for a boarding, the Lian Hong's crew called

over and banged on the vessel's hull. No
January
sign of the Yong Yu Sing's crew was
the fishing vessel Yi
Rong No. 18 approached
the Yong Yu Sing and

12
managed to rig a tow line.

observed.
YONG YU SING NO. 18

owner of the Taiwanese

tuna longliner Yong Yu
January 12
January
Sing No. 18 contacted
Taiwan's National Rescue

1
Command Center and

On January 12, the fishing vessel Yi Rong

reported that he had lost
contact with the vessel.

No. 18 approached the Yong Yu Sing and

January
Lian Hong's crew called
over and banged on the managed to rig a tow line. Their plan is to
2
vessel's hull

tow the derelict ship out of the range of

heavy weather and conduct a boarding and
January
search as early as Wednesday morning.
the fishing vessel Yi
Rong No. 18 approached
the Yong Yu Sing and

11
managed to rig a tow line.
YONG YU SING NO. 18
owner of the Taiwanese
tuna longliner Yong Yu
January
Sing No. 18 contacted
Taiwan's National Rescue
Command Center and
1
reported that he had lost
contact with the vessel.

a U.S. Coast Guard long-

January
range
located
SAR
the
aircraft
missing
vessel at a position about
2
600 nm northeast of
Midway.

January
Lian Hong's crew called
over and banged on the

11
vessel's hull

January
the fishing vessel Yi
Rong No. 18 approached
the Yong Yu Sing and

12
managed to rig a tow line.
YONG YU SING NO. 18
The disappearance of the
Taiwan deep-sea fishing
boat Yong Yu Sing No. 18
and its crew is a tragic
event that underscores the
inherent risks faced by
seafarers operating in
challenging maritime
environments.
YONG YU SING NO. 18

KEY FINDINGS
presence of multiple structural damages on the
hull of the vessel.

These damages suggest that the boat encountered exceptionally

strong wind waves from various directions. Such structural
vulnerabilities are not uncommon in vessels navigating through
rough seas, highlighting the need for robust construction standards
and ongoing maintenance to ensure the seaworthiness of maritime
vessels.
 YONG YU SING NO. 18

KEY FINDINGS
sailing through hazardous weather conditions

The occurrence of explosive cyclogenesis, characterized by the

rapid intensification of a cyclone, with a storm radius spanning up to
750 nautical miles, presents a formidable challenge for any
seafaring vessel. Explosive cyclogenesis events are known for their
unpredictability and ability to generate severe weather phenomena
such as high winds, heavy precipitation, and turbulent seas, posing
significant risks to maritime operations.
 YONG YU SING NO. 18

KEY FINDINGS
sailing through hazardous weather conditions

The occurrence of explosive cyclogenesis, characterized by the

rapid intensification of a cyclone, with a storm radius spanning up to
750 nautical miles, presents a formidable challenge for any
seafaring vessel. Explosive cyclogenesis events are known for their
unpredictability and ability to generate severe weather phenomena
such as high winds, heavy precipitation, and turbulent seas, posing
significant risks to maritime operations.
 YONG YU SING NO. 18

KEY FINDINGS
Human Error

In the case of Yong Yu Sing No. 18, it is plausible that the crew may
have been confronted with difficult choices as they encountered
increasingly adverse weather conditions. Factors such as
misjudgments in assessing the severity of the weather, errors in
navigation, or lapses in communication could have contributed to
the vessel's vulnerability and ultimately led to its disappearance.
 YONG YU SING NO. 18

KEY FINDINGS
Crew Fatigue

In the case of Yong Yu Sing No. 18, the crew's endurance and
alertness may have been compromised by fatigue, potentially
diminishing their capacity to navigate the vessel safely through the
challenging weather conditions encountered.
 YONG YU SING NO. 18

Recommendations to enhance maritime safety and mitigate the risks

associated with adverse weather conditions, human error, and crew
fatigue

1. Enhanced Training and Education

Implement comprehensive training programs for

seafarers that focus on weather awareness, navigation
skills, and decision-making in adverse conditions.
Emphasize the importance of recognizing and
responding to signs of fatigue and stress and provide
crew members with the tools and resources needed to
mitigate these risks effectively.
 YONG YU SING NO. 18

Recommendations to enhance maritime safety and mitigate the risks

associated with adverse weather conditions, human error, and crew
fatigue

2. Fatigue Management Protocols

Develop and enforce fatigue management protocols that

establish maximum working hours, mandatory rest
periods, and provisions for adequate onboard
accommodations. Ensure that crew members have
access to sufficient rest facilities and encourage a
culture that prioritizes rest and well-being.
 YONG YU SING NO. 18

Recommendations to enhance maritime safety and mitigate the risks

associated with adverse weather conditions, human error, and crew
fatigue

3. Weather Forecasting and Monitoring

Invest in advanced weather forecasting technologies and

provide vessels with real-time updates on weather
conditions along their planned routes. Encourage
proactive decision-making based on weather forecasts,
including the option to alter course or seek shelter in
anticipation of adverse conditions.
 YONG YU SING NO. 18

Recommendations to enhance maritime safety and mitigate the risks

associated with adverse weather conditions, human error, and crew
fatigue

4. Vessel Maintenance and Inspection

Implement rigorous maintenance schedules and

inspection protocols to ensure the seaworthiness of
vessels. Regularly assess and repair structural
vulnerabilities, electrical systems, and emergency
equipment to minimize the risk of mechanical failure
during voyages.
 YONG YU SING NO. 18

Recommendations to enhance maritime safety and mitigate the risks

associated with adverse weather conditions, human error, and crew
fatigue

5. Communication and Emergency

Response
Enhance communication systems onboard vessels to
facilitate timely reporting of emergencies and
coordination with maritime authorities. Establish clear
protocols for distress signals, emergency drills, and
search and rescue operations to expedite response
efforts in the event of an incident.
 YONG YU SING NO. 18

Recommendations to enhance maritime safety and mitigate the risks

associated with adverse weather conditions, human error, and crew
fatigue

6. Regulatory Oversight and

Compliance
Strengthen regulatory oversight of the fishing industry to
ensure compliance with safety standards and
regulations. Enforce penalties for violations related to
crew fatigue, vessel maintenance, and safety protocols,
and incentivize proactive safety measures through
regulatory incentives and certification programs.
 YONG YU SING NO. 18

Recommendations to enhance maritime safety and mitigate the risks

associated with adverse weather conditions, human error, and crew
fatigue

7. Industry Collaboration and

Knowledge Sharing
Foster collaboration among industry stakeholders,
including vessel operators, maritime authorities, and
safety organizations, to share best practices, lessons
learned, and emerging technologies. Establish platforms
for ongoing dialogue and collaboration to address
common challenges and drive continuous improvement
in maritime safety.
YONG YU SING NO. 18

Recommendations to enhance maritime safety and mitigate the risks

associated with adverse weather conditions, human error, and crew
fatigue

8. Public Awareness and Education

Raise public awareness about the risks associated with

maritime activities and the importance of safety
measures for both crew members and passengers.
Educate stakeholders, including fishing communities,
recreational boaters, and coastal residents, about the
potential dangers of adverse weather conditions and the
need for proactive safety measures.
 Recommendations to enhance the structural properties of vessels and
YONG YU SING NO. 18 prevent accidents at sea

1. Advanced Materials By focusing on these

aspects of structural
2. Optimized Design property enhancement,
vessel operators can
3. Redundancy significantly reduce the
risk of accidents at sea
4. Real-time Monitoring related to structural
failures and enhance the
5. Regular Inspections and Maintenance overall safety and
6. Quality Assurance seaworthiness of their
vessels
YONG YU SING NO. 18

Becoming well-equipped with education, trainings,

and seminars, and embodying what it means to be a
seafarer, we can avoid repeating the mistake that
the Yong Yu Sing No. 18 faced.

WE ARE THE CAPTAINS OF OUR OWN SHIP!