On the early morning of October 12, a 129 ton fishing vessel (name not disclosed) caught fire in the East China Sea some 34 kilometers southeast of Marado Island in Seogwipo, Jeju, South Korea. The fire started in the engine room of the purse seiner and quickly spread through the vessel. The crew alerted the South Korean Coast Guard who dispatched a helicopter along with 5 patrol boats to assist. The Coast Guard also asked nearby vessel to aid the fishing vessel. The 27 crew members on board the fishing vessel would be later rescued by a nearby vessel. Six crew members had sustain injuries including smoke inhalation and burns to the face and arms. They would be later transported to hospital in Jeju City for treatment.
Reports stated the patrol vessels arrived on the scene and used water cannons to extinguish the blaze. The extent of damage caused by the fire was not disclosed. Authorities have launched an investigation. Initial reports state the crew heard a loud bang right before the fire started.
