On the afternoon of December 27, an 20 ton fishing vessel (name not disclosed) became disabled in the Sea of Japan about 48 nautical miles northeast of Ulleungdo Island, South Korea. The fishing vessel had suffered engine failure and went adrift. The vessel requested assistance with the South Korean Coast Guard immediately dispatching a patrol vessel to the scene. The patrol vessel would reach the fishing vessel, but bad weather conditions prohibited towing.  The patrol vessel stood by the fishing vessel until the next morning when towing could be started. The vessels proceeded 96 kilometers to the safety of Sadong Port, Ulleungdo.

There were no reports of injuries to the 8 crew on board the fishing vessel. The Coast Guard conducted breathalyzer tests and inspected the fishing vessel’s equipment. No further details reported.