Pingtung:Three tourists who entered areas closed during Typhoon Champi are facing potential fines, including an Irishman found in a restricted coastal area in Pingtung County and two others spotted on a closed mountain pass, authorities reported.

According to Focus Taiwan, the Irish tourist was discovered in the Kenting area at around 10 a.m. on Friday, seemingly intending to partake in water activities despite a ban imposed by the county government. The Coast Guard Administration intervened, explained the restrictions to the man, and filed a report under the Disaster Prevention and Protection Act. The county government may impose a fine ranging from NT$50,000 to NT$250,000 (US$1,500 to US$7,000).

Separately, two tourists were seen at Wuling, a mountain pass in central Taiwan, at around 5 a.m. on Friday, posing in front of a live camera despite typhoon-related restrictions posted online. The Seventh Special Police Corps noted that Taroko National Park authorities had prohibited entry to ecological reserves and other restricted areas, including the Hehuanshan and Wuling areas, which were closed as a precaution.

Police are currently reviewing surveillance footage to identify the two tourists, with the case being referred to Taroko National Park Headquarters and the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency for potential penalties. Those who enter a designated disaster warning area could face a fine of up to NT$250,000, and individuals who repeatedly ignore police warnings and enter restricted national park areas may be fined up to NT$3,000 under the National Park Act.