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Collision off Myodo Island

Collision off Myodo Island

Yeosu Myodo Island Collision
Photo: netongs.com

On the evening of October 1, a 1 ton fishing vessel (name not disclosed) collided with a 20 ton fishing vessel (name not disclosed) in Gwangyang Bay near Myodo Island, Yeosu, South Korea. The collision resulted in the smaller 1 ton fishing vessel to eventually sink. The 2 crew members on board suffered minor injuries from the incident.  The larger fishing vessel sustained minor damage to its bow. The South Korean Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident. Initial reports suggest the collision was due to poor visibility.

 

 

Aground on Heukdo Island

Aground on Heukdo Island

FV Stranded off Gunsan
Photo: Gunsan Marine Police Station

On the morning of September 27, a 72-ton fishing vessel (name not disclosed) ran aground in the Yellow Sea on Heukdo Island, Okdo-myeon, Gunsan City, South Korea. The fishing vessel was proceeding during the night when the vessel confused lights on Heukdo Island for another vessel. The fishing vessel proceeded to try to avoid the lights and ran aground on the rocks. The vessel sustained hull damage with water ingress near the engine room. 

FV Stranded off Gunsan
Photo: Gunsan Coast Guard

The South Korean Coast Guard were alerted and dispatched a patrol vessel with a rescue team to the scene. The Coast Guard safely rescued all 8 crew off the fishing vessel. The Coast Guard locked the fuel valves before pulling the vessel free.  The vessels then proceeded to Daecheon.  There were no injuries.  The Coast Guard have launched an investigation into the incident.

 

Capsized off Busan

Capsized off Busan

79 ton Fishing Vessel
Photo: yna.co.kr

On the afternoon of September 19,  a 79 ton fishing vessel (name not disclosed) capsized and sank in the Sea of Japan some 61.6 kilometers east of Busan, South Korea. The fishing vessel had been attempting to haul in fishing nets when it lost stability and capsized.  The fishing vessel’s EPIRB alerted South Korean authorities who launched a search and rescue operation. A nearby fishing vessel was able to rescue 7 crew members with one crew member listed as missing. The captain of the fishing vessel was found, but had suffered cardiac arrest.  A Coast Guard helicopter airlifted him and took him ashore for medical treatment.  Authorities stated he did not recover and later died while in hospital.

The South Korean Coast Guard searched the area near where the fishing vessel sank for the missing crew member using patrol ships and aircraft, but were not successful in finding the sailor. Reports stated the missing crew member was not wearing a life jacket. Authorities have talked to the crew who state the capsizing was caused by the vessel turning while the net was being pulled in. The incident is under investigation.