South Korea: Four Lives Lost and Six Crew Missing Following Fishing Trawler Disaster
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Synopsis
In a tragic incident off the southern coast of South Korea, a fishing trawler sank, resulting in four deaths and six crew members missing. Rescue operations are currently in progress, with various agencies involved in the search.
Key Takeaways
- Fishing trawler sank with 14 crew members.
- Four fatalities confirmed, with six still missing.
- Search efforts include 24 patrol ships and 13 aircraft.
- The vessel reportedly did not send a distress signal.
- Investigations into the cause of capsizing are ongoing.
Yeosu (South Korea), Feb 9 (NationPress) A fishing trawler with 14 crew members onboard sank in the waters off South Korea's southern coast early on Sunday, resulting in four fatalities and six individuals missing, according to officials, who are currently engaged in rescue operations.
The 139-ton vessel, which had eight South Koreans, three Vietnamese, and three Indonesians aboard, was reported missing at 1:41 a.m. about 17 kilometers east of Habaek island, near Yeosu, situated 316 km south of Seoul.
So far, Coast Guard vessels and other fishing boats have successfully rescued eight crew members, but tragically, four South Koreans have lost their lives, including the 66-year-old captain, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
Among the rescued, five individuals—including the captain, two Vietnamese, and two Indonesian crew members—were located on a life raft, while the others were found floating in the surrounding waters.
The two rescued Indonesians have been taken to the Coast Guard's facility in Yeosu for questioning regarding the incident, while the Vietnamese nationals are receiving treatment at a nearby hospital for hypothermia.
According to the Coast Guard, the vessel appears to have capsized after heavily leaning to its left side, as per statements from the rescued Vietnamese crew.
"Aside from three people still inside the ship, the remaining 11 crew members jumped into the sea," stated the Coast Guard during a briefing.
Despite adverse weather conditions, the Coast Guard finds it unusual for a vessel over 100 tons to capsize in 2.5-meter waves, prompting an investigation into the precise cause of the disaster.
The fishing trawler was part of a fleet of four vessels but reportedly did not send a distress signal, leading the Coast Guard to believe the sinking occurred unexpectedly.
The vessel had departed from Gamcheon port in Busan, approximately 320 km southeast of Seoul, on Saturday, aiming to fish in the waters near the southwestern island of Heuksan, located in South Jeolla Province.
A total of 24 patrol ships, four Navy vessels, 13 aircraft, and various civilian and agency ships have been deployed to search for the missing crew members.
During the morning search operations, a Coast Guard high-speed boat capsized due to the rough waves, but all six personnel on board were rescued by another Coast Guard vessel.
