Yu Long #10

Yu Long #10

Somewhere beneath the rising sun Ma Sun Tsaih No. 11 is at work fishing. And 12. Plus a couple of AIS net markers. One mustn’t forget about the fishing vessel that blinked their AIS on as they saw fit and the loom of lights farther East pre-dawn marking yet another. This veritable parade of industrialized commercial fishing boats was heralded at 0400 local by Yu Long No. 10 that passed less than 2 miles to port headed South.

I am often asked if I see any other vessels. The answer is almost always no. But when it is yes, it’s usually yes in bunches.

I saw the deck lights before they showed up on AIS and then only after repeated calls on Channel 16 trying to confirm their activities and intentions. Only Ma Sun Tsiah No. 11 responded and even their one word response seemed a bother. “Fishing!” was all I got back. Trailing my remaining lure for the past three days, I was fishing too. Arguing the point, however, seemed ill-advised.

It was more than enough. I informed them of my intentions to pass astern by making a hard turn to port. I heard nothing in response. Perhaps the fishing was just too good to waste any more time with me.

ColRegs is very clear on the rules and regulations that all ships must follow to avoid collisions while under way. Somebody ought to tell these guys about them.

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