2 dead after dinghy capsizes in New Taipei rescue mission

New Taipei, July 8 (CNA) Two men, including a firefighter, died Tuesday after falling into the Xindian River in New Taipei when a rescue dinghy capsized during a search mission.

The deceased were a 50-year-old man surnamed Chen (陳), who had been reported as falling into the river, and a 32-year-old firefighter surnamed Wu (吳), who was among five rescue personnel onboard a dinghy searching for Chen when it capsized, local authorities said.

The New Taipei City Fire Department said it received a report of Chen's disappearance at 4:12 p.m., prompting the deployment of Wu and other rescuers to the site.

Wu was found with no vital signs after being pulled from the water to the riverbank. He was rushed to Cardinal Tien Hospital in Xindian District, but was pronounced dead after doctors spent two hours attempting to revive him.

Chen, the missing man, was located sometime after 5 p.m. and also showed no signs of life. He was later pronounced dead.

The other four rescue personnel in the dinghy were also hospitalized after being pulled from the water.

Among them, a 34-year-old volunteer firefighter surnamed Tsao (曹) and a 36-year-old professional firefighter surnamed Chang (張) were both found unresponsive but successfully resuscitated at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital and are no longer in a critical condition, according to local police.

New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜), who visited Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital around 6 p.m., said that the section of the silt dam where the incident occurred was not open to the public and considered particularly dangerous.

The Fire Department said all rescue workers were properly trained and equipped, and expressed regret that the river's strong current had hindered the operation.

It added that it will assist Wu's family with funeral arrangements.