As you may know EVA signed for three more 77W from Boeing and leased four more of the same recently. Adding to their 15 strong 77W fleet.
Hence recent hiring efforts.
However EVA is known to provide less money then other airlines in return for training non type rated pilots in heavy jets. You are not the best paid but you get to fly the big jets and get the rating and the experience in return.
It is seen as a good gig for a few years by many, not by all.
by-the-way, here is the story on the EVA pilot drowning:
Taiwanese Airline Captain Drowns At National Park North Of Phuket - Phuket News and Events - Thailand Forum
seems the young boat pilot may have run into a tree branch?