New taipei: A second firefighter has died following a rescue boat capsize during a mission on the Xindian River, bringing the tragic event's death toll to three.

According to Focus Taiwan, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital confirmed that 36-year-old firefighter Chang Ching-chien passed away around noon on Wednesday after being on life support for nearly a day. Medical professionals reported that Chang experienced severe brain damage and multiple organ failure due to extended oxygen deprivation. Although placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and subjected to targeted temperature management, Chang's condition remained unstable. His family decided to withdraw life-sustaining treatment earlier in the day.

Chang was among five rescuers aboard an inflatable dinghy that capsized during an operation to rescue a paddleboarder who had ventured into a restricted section of the river. Another firefighter, Wu En-shuo, was declared dead shortly after being pulled from the water. The paddleboarder, identified with the surname Chen, was located after 5 p.m. with no signs of life and was later pronounced dead.

A volunteer firefighter, surnamed Tsao, remains in critical condition but is now breathing independently, according to doctors. The New Taipei Fire Department stated that the rescuers had to enter a hazardous whirlpool area, and strong currents caused their boat to overturn, leaving the five crew members in the water.

An investigation committee has been established to review the rescue operation, command, equipment, and tactics used, as reported by the department. Opposition Kuomintang city councilors have called for enhanced management of high-risk waters, improved rescue equipment, and the employment of drones to increase safety. They have also urged for stricter laws to hold violators of high-risk waters accountable, including implementing compensation requirements for rescue costs and for fallen volunteers.