A fishing boat broke loose and sank at a harbor in southern Taiwan, but a fast coast guard response kept the spill from spreading.

• Strong waves and swells snapped the mooring lines of a fishing boat docked at Xiaoliuqiu's Baisha fishing harbor, sending it adrift and damaging the hull.
• Coast guard officers tried to re-secure the boat overnight, but it took on water and partially sank the next morning.
• Crews spotted a small amount of leaking oil and quickly laid absorbent booms and pads around the boat to stop it from spreading.
• Authorities are working with the boat's owner to pump out remaining fuel and salvage the vessel, while officials remind boat owners to reinforce mooring lines during stormy weather.

Outlook: Cleanup and salvage work is expected to continue as officials push the owner to finish removing fuel and raising the boat.