Student missing after jumping in Tamsui River to save man

Student missing after jumping in Tamsui River to save man

2026-05-12

A search is underway in Taipei to find a university student who jumped into the Tamsui River to rescue an old man who fell in the water. The incident happened at around 5 a.m. near Dadaocheng Wharf. A 94-year-old man was talking a walk on the side of the river when he crossed a railing and fell in the water. The student, aged 24, heard the calls for help and immediately jumped in to rescue him.

The student reportedly managed to reach and rescue the man, but the two suddenly sank in the river before they could make to shore. Three hours later, the body of the elderly man was found, and he was pronounced dead. The search continues for the brave 24-year-old rescuer. Police and fire fighters have deployed 12 rescuers as well as drones to find him.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#taipei #swimming #search #missing #lifeguard

大稻埕碼頭落水意外 9旬翁不治身亡.男大生救人失聯

2026-05-12

週二清晨五點多，在台北市大稻埕碼頭，發生一起落水意外，一名94歲的老翁，散步到碼頭後，鑽過圍欄落水，一名24歲的男大生聽到呼救，趕緊跳下水救人。

原本男大生已經救到人了，但不明原因，兩人突然沉入水裡，三個多小時後，只有老翁被找到，不治身亡，男大生則失聯。警消出動12人以及空拍機，陸海空全面搜救，雙北共同合作，希望能盡快找到見義勇為男大生。

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Hualien develops AI tech to determine watermelon ripeness

Watermelon season has arrived in Hualien. In the past, professional appraisers would tap watermelons to judge their ripeness, but these experts are becoming harder to find, as many are aging and haven’t passed down their skills. To make up for this, the Hualien County Government and Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology jointly developed an AI tapping device to determine ripeness. The technology took two years to develop and has already been patented.

The best way to tell if a watermelon is ripe is by tapping it.

A higher, brighter sound means the fruit isn’t ready yet, while a deeper, fuller sound means it’s ripe. But most people could tap on a watermelon until it’s bruised and still not be able to tell the difference.

There are watermelon appraisers who are experts at this, but as they get older and their hearing declines, farmers have been struggling to judge their fruits’ ripeness. Now, with a collaboration between the Hualien County Government and Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, AI can help determine whether a watermelon is ripe.

Watermelon farmer
Embracing technology
After listening for a while, appraisers’ ears might get tired and they might make mistakes, so this device can help us to improve judgement accuracy. We use it to tap and listen, confirming whether the assessment is consistent and reliable.

When farmers tap a watermelon with this AI-powered device, it analyzes the sound and shows a green light if the fruit is ripe. It’s already about 85% accurate.

Huang Neng-fu
Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology president
By loading different sound models into it, the device can perform different functions. For example, when we tap a watermelon, it can determine its level of ripeness—say 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%—or even detect internal damage or bruising.

Chen Shu-wen
Hualien Agriculture Department director
The Hualien County Government looks at the development of our technology and works together with our farmers to identify their needs and help them reduce labor costs.

From tapping and listening to using an AI-powered device, ensuring farmers can accurately determine watermelons’ ripeness will allow everyone to enjoy delicious watermelon this summer.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#fruit #watermelon #Hualien #ripeness #AI #technology #patent #summer #agriculture #farmers

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Rinsing purple sea urchins in beer brings out the natural sweetness of their flesh

May heralds the start of the purple sea urchin season. Many people like to visit Kaohsiung’s Kezailiao Fishing Harbor to enjoy freshly gutted urchins. Each vendor has their own unique way of preparing them. Some choose to rinse them with beer, which brings out the urchin’s natural sweetness. Let’s find out more.

- These aren’t farmed; they’re wild. We’ll catch as many as we can.

The sea urchins, freshly caught this morning, were sorted by size and then cut open with scissors.

- That’s it, just a quick rinse.

That’s right. They rinse sea urchins in beer, remove the guts, and then serve them to customers.

Vendor
Kezailiao Fishing Harbor
I developed this myself, and I’ve tested this myself. It works because it also washes away seawater, enhances flavor, removes fishy smells and leaves a sweet aftertaste.

May marks the start of the purple sea urchin season. Most vendors simply rinse the urchins with water, remove the digestive organs,and keep only the five yellow gonads. However, at a stall in Kezailiao Fishing Harbor in Kaohsiung, the vendors spare no expense and use beer to rinse them. What if they encounter customers who don’t drink alcohol?

Vendor
Kezailiao Fishing Harbor
Then don’t buy it. We will stick to adding beer. We used rice wine before, but it was too strong. This is the only one that tastes right. It doesn’t matter if it’s too expensive; the important thing is that it tastes good.

Member of public
Noticed the difference
I’ve never had it with beer. I previously had sea urchin that was rinsed with plain water, and it tasted quite different because adding beer brought out its sweetness.

When serving up raw sea urchin, the most important thing is to remove the fishy odor while preserving the sweetness. Some vendors rinse them with water and then spray them with lemon juice.

- It smells quite nice, with a lemony and sweet scent.

Penghu resident
Likes to add lemon
The beer flavor slightly overpowers the natural sweetness of the sea urchin. With this one, lemon juice has been added and it was sprayed from a bottle, so the natural sweetness has been better preserved.

To each their own. You only know which one you like after you’ve tried them.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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Consecrated rooster draws visitors to Taiwan’s smallest City God temple

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Biker aesthetic picks up speed as motorcycle ownership grows

Taiwanese truly love their motorbikes, with a density that ranks the highest in the world at an average of one for every 1.6 people. As more riders switch to heavy motorcycles, they’re no longer just looking to max out specs. The entire biker aesthetic, from jackets to helmets, is having a moment.

The market for heavy motorcycles is no longer just about the need for speed. It’s an entire aesthetic. From leather racing suits, to helmets, gloves, riding boots, and jackets, F1-inspired apparel brands are kicking off the spring and summer season with new collections of trendy biker gear.

Zoebitalk
Travel YouTuber
When you go out riding as a couple wearing a traditional biker getup, it can be very heavy and cumbersome when you get off at sightseeing spots. Since it was designed for safety, it’s super heavy. This new line of clothes has added airbags, so it’s extremely lightweight.

Breaking the mold of traditional riding gear, this new collection covers everything from streetwear to road and track styles. Models showcased the various street looks, including trendy racing helmets that are making their Taiwan debut. Safe while also looking chic, it’s no wonder these helmets have become a favorite among Hollywood stars and Kpop idols.

Mike Hsieh
Motorbike apparel brand representative
This helmet is the result of a lengthy period of brand development, about 10 years or so. Lots of young people are wanting to wear bolder designs. This year, we hope to focus on a more fashion-forward street style.

The number of heavy motorcycles in Taiwan continues to rise. By the end of 2024, there were already more than 260,000, with steady growth ever since. In the first quarter of this year, there were 280,766 heavy bikes among the 14,678,705 total motorbikes in Taiwan.

Hsiang Gu
Motorcycle expert
Motorcycles are very common now. I always invest in quality gear, like helmets, leather riding suits, and boots.

As the biker subculture grows, you can get riding gear that’s fashionable as well as functional. Whether tearing up the track or hitting the road, this gear can transition seamlessly from the seat to the street. Now every ride can be your own personal runway show.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#motorcycle #bikerculture #bikers #fashion #racing #ridinggear #streetwear #heavymotorbike #helmet #leather

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CNN interviews KMT Chair ahead of Trump-Xi Summit

Ahead of the Trump-Xi meeting and just days after the opposition controlled legislature passed a watered down special defense budget, CNN spoke to KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun, who has long insisted that pursuing dialogue with Beijing is the solution for escalating cross-strait tensions. Skepticism for Cheng’s direction, by the US and some Taiwanese officials were all touched on. Let’s hear more.

CNN’s interview with KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun cut straight to the point: US skepticism for a reduced special defense package passed by the opposition-controlled legislature, NT$47 million smaller than the Cabinet’s NT$1.25 trillion proposal.

Will Ripley
CNN correspondent
What’s your response to calls from US lawmakers that Taiwan needs to spend this money on its defense to send the message to the global community that Taiwan is serious about its defense?

Cheng Li-wun
KMT Chair
Actually, we are very serious. Most of it is too vague and lacks details, so we can’t give a blank check authorization.

Will Ripley
CNN correspondent
How can you guarantee it won’t happen if Taiwan doesn’t have what your military leaders say are enough weapons to deter military action by China?

Cheng Li-wun
KMT Chair
When the KMT is in power, Taiwan’s defense capabilities, its deterrence will still exist.

Cheng was then asked to respond to criticisms of her meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping last month.

Will Ripley
CNN correspondent
You obviously have your critics that accused you of being a pawn while you were in Beijing, saying that you and Xi Jinping had almost the same language.

Cheng Li-wun
KMT Chair
[It may seem that I have] a common language with Xi Jinping, but it is precisely because there are so many differences between the two sides of the strait, it is critical that we find a common foundation for peaceful dialogue.

Will Ripley
CNN correspondent
You said publicly, you’re worried about Taiwan being treated like a pawn. Are you talking about the United States treating Taiwan like a pawn?

Cheng Li-wun
KMT Chair
I believe it is the DPP government’s wrong policies that have reduced Taiwan to a pawn.

Will Ripley
CNN correspondent
She also says that Taiwanese people should identify as both as Taiwanese and Chinese, Jim, which of course a very hot button issue here. A growing number of people here in Taiwan identify only as Taiwanese. They don’t identify as members of a greater Chinese nation, but that’s something that she’s really pushing for.

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Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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Foot juggler ready for final after Golden Buzzer in Britain’s Got Talent

A foot juggler from Taiwan is making big waves internationally once again, thanks to a fiery spectacle on Britain’s Got Talent. The performer is Yang Li-wei, who is an expert at balancing items big and small with her feet, even if the object is on fire. She recently took part in the reality TV competition with her troupe, the Coming True Fire Group and got a ticket to the final after one of the judges pressed the prestigious Golden Buzzer. She is back in Taiwan now, getting ready to put a whole new show-stopping number together for the final in late May.

Be it a flaming umbrella fully engulfed in fire, or a giant blazing wheel larger than herself, foot juggler Yang Li-wei can balance and spin anything effortlessly with her legs. Her incredible performance received thunderous applause on Britain’s Got Talent.

Golden confetti rains down as Yang embraces her team in tears. They just received the Golden Buzzer, the highest honor on Britain’s Got Talent. Her triumph sent fans flooding her social media with congratulatory messages, from “You’re amazing” and “I was so moved” to “You are the pride of Taiwan.”

Yang and her husband Lai Kuan-chih arrived back in Taiwan loaded with props and equipment, and beaming brightly.

Lai Kuan-chih
Coming True Fire Group
Getting the Golden Buzzer sends us straight to the final of Britain’s Got Talent. We were so surprised!

Yang Li-wei
Coming True Fire Group
We had no idea! And it was KSI who pressed the Golden Buzzer! Simon was about to let another judge give critiques about the number, but KSI rushed over and pressed the buzzer. I was so happy.

Yang and Lai are thrilled and showed it to the cameras at the airport, where fellow troupe members and friends were at the ready to welcome them home. Yang’s success is the result of 23 years of discipline and training. Her next challenge will be the final in late May.

Yang Li-wei
Coming True Fire Group
The next round is on May 30.

Lai Kuan-chih
Coming True Fire Group
We’ll probably head back one week before the day. Over the next two weeks, we’ll be working closely with our team and create a brand-new performance together as the Coming True Fire Group. I hope you’ll all continue to cheer for us.

Yang has once again captured the international spotlight with her talents, showing that dreams can come true as long as you’re willing to persist.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#firedancer #gottalent #britainsgottalent #yangliwei #antipodism #juggling #talent

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Local Pingtung aquarium increasingly popular for colorful fish and shrimp

A local aquarium at Pingtung’s Agricultural Biotechnology Park has been thriving after opening to the public a few years ago. It was originally designed as an aquatic exhibition hall for businesses hoping to enter the global market, but now the public can visit and see the large variety of marine and freshwater fish and shrimp on display in 61 tanks. The single-floor aquarium has become popular among tourists and families on weekends and holidays.

Elegant red discus fish show off their vibrant coloring as they swim through light and dark areas of the tank. At this local aquarium at the Agricultural Biotechnology Park in Pingtung’s Changzhi Township, many kinds of colorful fish and shrimp are on display.

Visitor
I saw it online and thought it looked like a good indoor space to come and watch fish. There are lots of fish and shrimp here.

Along with colorful fish, a variety of shrimp like these red and white striped tiger shrimp compete for visitors’ attention. The park was completed in 2013, and the aquarium was originally built for aquatic businesses to display their ornamental fish and shrimp. With 61 tanks, the area opened to public visitors a few years ago.

Ni Sung-jui
Aquarium manager
Originally it was designed for those in the ornamental fish business in the park, and of course we welcomed some special guests and foreign visitors. We felt that the surrounding residents would also want to visit, so we went along with the idea and opened it to the public.

Brightly colored African cichlids like these were introduced to breeding farms in central and southern Taiwan over 20 years ago. Over the past decade, they have secured a place in Taiwan’s international ornamental fish market and are popular in this aquarium.

Wu Yang-ting
Aquarium specialist
African cichlids are our No. 1 exported ornamental fish. As for tilapia, after African cichlids were introduced, Taiwanese people bred and improved them. The more brightly colored varieties of African cichlids like these can be kept in aquariums for everyone to enjoy.

The aquarium provides a space for businesses to display their fish and shrimp, working in tandem domestic and international marketing events. Now that it’s open to the public, anyone can come to observe and learn about these beautiful sea creatures.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#AgriculturalBiotechnologyPark #Pingtung #aquarium #fish #shrimp #tigershrimp #ornementalfish #colorfulfish #tourism #marketing

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