Taiwan Fisheries Agency Vows Zero Tolerance on Migrant Worker Abuse

Agency Responds to Reports of Crushed Fingers, Unpaid Wages, and Fatal Illness on Distant-Water Fishing Vessels

Taiwan’s Fisheries Agency has forcefully asserted its commitment to safeguarding migrant fishers following disturbing allegations of labor exploitation and severe injuries aboard its distant-water fleet. The agency insists on a strict zero-tolerance policy for any form of worker abuse.

Serious Allegations Surface

Recent reports detailed harrowing experiences of Indonesian migrant workers. One fisher, Silwanus Tangkotta, reportedly suffered crushed fingers on a Taiwanese vessel last year. His captain allegedly delayed medical attention due to dissatisfaction with the catch, forcing Tangkotta to perform rudimentary self-care to prevent infection. He later had parts of his fingers amputated and was dismissed without compensation, according to the reports.

Another former Indonesian worker, Adrian Dogdodo Basar, recounted the death of a colleague on a Taiwanese-funded Vanuatu-flagged vessel. He claims the captain refused to return to port despite the friend’s serious illness. Basar also stated he was denied food for protesting the conditions.

Systemic Issues Highlighted

Beyond individual incidents, allegations point to a broader pattern of abuse, including chronic overwork and wage delays. Ten Indonesian crew members on the vessel *You Fu* reportedly went 15 months without pay in 2023. An advocate from the Yilan Migrant Fishermen Union noted that crews were often understaffed, leading to excessive working hours, and criticized government responses as insufficient.

Agency Defends Actions and Promises Investigation

The Fisheries Agency stated that in Tangkotta‘s case, immediate first aid was provided, and the captain sought remote medical advice. The agency confirmed Tangkotta was transferred back to port via a dispatched vessel and received hospital care. However, an insurance claim was denied due to the injury not resulting in permanent disability. The agency has pledged to investigate this insurance decision and the circumstances of Tangkotta‘s contract termination.

Regarding the reported death, the agency indicated that Vanuatuan authorities were notified, and the fisher’s family was informed. Compensation and repatriation were managed by intermediaries. A Fijian medical institution attributed the death to acute pulmonary edema.

Concerning the delayed wages on the *You Fu*, the agency confirmed swift action upon learning of the situation. It facilitated coordination with the operator and intermediary, referring alleged abuses for law enforcement review. All outstanding wages were reportedly disbursed by August 8 last year.

Despite assurances, labor rights groups continue to press for more robust protections. According to the International Labour Organization, migrant workers on fishing vessels globally face significant risks, with over 100,000 reported deaths or disappearances in the past decade, highlighting the critical need for stringent oversight (ILO).