There was nowhere to run when I saw the prow of a Japanese patrol ship looming above the hull of our small boat, the Hsin Hang 168.
I knew there would be a collision and, as I shrank down on to the deck gripping a handrail for all I was worth, I heard an almighty crash.
Our boat shook and cracks spread across the upper and lower decks. Two supporting pillars were knocked from their bases.
The patrol ship pulled away, causing a two-metre swell which set the boat rocking violently, almost throwing our people overboard.
While the crew quickly checked the damage and counted heads, our captain, Chou Hua-chen, ran to the stern and began shouting at the Japanese.
He then dived into the sea and swam to Japanese Patrol Craft 106, scrambled aboard and began scuffling with the crew.
