Let's first take a look at the rescue effort that took place on Ocean Lala, the ferry that takes travelers from Penghu to Taichung. 300 passengers were stranded on the transportation system after the vessel was seriously damaged by the powerful waves.

Fortunately, within hours, the military and coast guards came to the assistance and escorted the passengers back to the port.

Ocean Lala, which lost its power and has been drifting for 7 hours, was finally towed back into Taichung Port at 10pm on the 8th. Emergency workers quickly escorted sick passengers who felt dizzy and sea sick. 8 passengers had serious head aches, and even had shocks.

The Ocean Lala left Penghu around 3pm on the 8th and was scheduled to arrive in Taichung at 7:30pm. But at about 7 nautical miles outside of Taichung and close to Changhwa, the ship was crippled by a wave.

The military, coast guard, and air rescue unit all received distress calls and quickly scrambled their ships and helicopters to the scene. They escorted the ship back to Taichung the rest of the way.

The 6 year old ferry is managed by the EXCALIBUR International Marine Corp. and is made out of aluminum. It is suppose to withstand waves up to category 7. The Transportation Ministry will have to review the ship, before deciding if it's fit to continue operating the route.