Executive Yuan Spokesperson Sun Lih-chyun today affirmed that the central government immediately responded to the February 4 TransAsia Airways Flight GE235 crash, and that the central, Taipei, and New Taipei City governments have been working together on the aftermath without a hitch.
The government fully mobilized search and rescue efforts as soon as the crash occurred, Sun said. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications immediately called together various agencies to establish a Central Emergency Operation Center, which allocated necessary resources such as personnel, equipment, machinery and boats. The central and local governments worked together fully and seamlessly, and each fulfilled its duties, said the spokesperson.
The search at the crash site is still continuing. Taipei's and New Taipei's search and rescue personnel have been working extremely hard for several days, braving the continued cold weather and the necessity of spending long periods of time on and inside the frigid Keelung River. The Executive Yuan has the utmost respect and gratitude for their efforts, Sun said.
The Executive Yuan thanks central government agencies, the Taipei City Government and the New Taipei City Government for their many days of ceaseless hard work, particularly on search and rescue, Sun said. The authorities have continuously tried new methods that could facilitate the search, including several types of underwater equipment. To continue making progress while ensuring safety, work platform boats and excavators will be dispatched in order to dredge the riverbed.