Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

Taipei City Government conducted a disaster prevention drill near the Dadaocheng Wharf on October 21. The wharf is one of the stops along the city’s “Blue Highway” network.
Participants of the exercise comprised ferry owners and experts from various fields, including private rescue teams, Taipei City Fire Department, Taipei City Police Department, Department of Health, Department of Environmental Protection, Hydraulic Engineering Office, and Taipei City Hospital.
Over 100 individuals, 10 ambulances/rescue vehicles, and 10 lifeboats participated in the exercise.
The scenario of the drill involved an accident where the engine on a ferry went up in flames. With the fire spreading rapidly, the crew onboard executed a sequence of emergency response. They attempted to extinguish the flames, evacuate the passengers, fire the signal flares, and release the lifeboats. As the same time, rescue workers also arrived at the scene to help put out the fire.
The drill plays in part in both the promotion of the Tamsui River revitalization policy and the strengthening the safety of ferries.
The Blue Highway was inaugurated in February of 2004. Currently, there are six companies operating ten ferries to serve the needs of both locals and tourists. The routes cover the majority of both the Keelung River and the Tamsui River, offering the public a tool for sightseeing and an alternative method for traveling between Taipei City and Taipei County.