Taipei, June 10 (CNA) The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) conducted a drill off Keelung, northern Taiwan on Saturday, including a simulated anti-terrorism exercise at sea.
The CGA said the drill is conducted every two years and this year the focus was on inspecting for drugs, anti-terrorism, recovering hijacked vessels and sea rescue.
The highlight of the drill was special forces abseiling from helicopters onto a ship to rescue hostages.
The CGA drill was held in conjunction with the Navy, Air Force and National Airborne Service Corps, in a joint air and sea operation that involved 1,672 personnel, 16 ships and five helicopters.
President Tsai Ing-wen presided over the drill. Before boarding a CGA ship, she praised coast guard officials at a ceremony held at Keelung Harbor for their role in the recent seizure of 689kg of heroin, the largest drugs seizure in years.
