The Keelung Badouzi-registered Fuyang 266 fishing boat was reportedly boarded by the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) for allegedly violating regulations according to a Fisheries Agency press release at noon on Friday. It stated that the crew has been confirmed safe and negotiations are underway with the Japanese side.

Fisheries Agency Offshore Division Chief Lin Ting-jung (林頂榮) said that the Taiwan representative office in Japan received a notification at 3 a.m. that the Fuyang was suspected of entering restricted waters near Japan's Amami Oshima island and consequently boarded for inspection. In response to the boarding, Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA) immediately dispatched the Nantou patrol and rescue ship to aid.

The Foreign Ministry said that the representative office in Japan has requested the release of the Fuyang 266 and its crew as soon as possible. It added that any necessary diplomatic assistance to Taiwan’s fishing boats will be promptly provided.