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Tag: South Korea

Crystal Asia

Crystal Asia

Crystal Asia
Photo: Korea Coast Guard

On March 26, the 135.5 meter long 8053 dwt refrigerated cargo vessel Crystal Asia (IMO: 9053957) caught fire in the Sea of Japan off Busan, South Korea. The Crystal Asia had travelled just 5 miles from the port of Busan when a fire broke out in the engine room. Alerted by the dense smoke billowing from the reefer, authorities dispatched multiple rescue boats. The rescue boats arrived on site and firefighters boarded the Crystal Asia where they extinguished the blaze.

The rescue boats were able to safely evacuate all 23 crew off the Crystal Asia.  Six crew sustained injuries with 2 suffering severe burns while 4 others with minor burns. Reports state the severely injured crew were taken to hospital for treatment. A tug was later dispatched and towed the Crystal Asia back to port. Authorities were able to do an inspection of the vessel. An initial report indicates that there may have been an explosion that started the fire and not a malfunction in the engine room.

 

 

22 Seokyung

22 Seokyung

22 Seokyung

On the early morning of February 9, the 43 meter long, 139 ton fishing vessel 22 Seokyung (MMSI: 440106630) capsized and sank in the East China Sea 17 kilometers east of Habaekdo Island off the coast from Yeosu, South Korea.  Reports state the vessel with 14 crew had suddenly capsized due to bad weather.  Search and rescue by the Korea Coast Guard aided by nearby fishing vessels were able to pull  7 crew from the water. Three crew, including the captain of the 22 Seokyung, were found floating unconscious.  Attempts to revive the crew members were unsuccessful.  The other four crew were found in a life raft.  They were rescued and later taken to Chukjeong on Narodo Island for treatment from hypothermia and non life-threatening injuries.

Authorities conducted a five-kilometer search around the are where the fishing vessel sank for the remaining missing crew.  The Coast Guard deployed 19 vessels aided by four aircraft while divers were used to see if the the crew were trapped within the vessel.  Testimony provided by the 4 surviving crew stated the 6 missing members were most likely below deck when the 22 Seokyung capsized.

Reports also state the fishing vessel had capsized before any distress call could be made. The vessel’s operator were first alerted when the vessel disappeared off radar. Korean authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Two Aground Off Jeju

Two Aground Off Jeju

33 Manseonho
Photo: mbc.com

On the morning of February 1, the 32 ton fishing vessel Samgwangho and the 29 ton fishing vessel 33 Manseonho ran aground in stormy conditions near Tokki Island off the coast of Jeju, South Korea. The Korean Coast Guard had received an alarm from the 33 Manseonho which also transmitted its location. The Coast Guard was able to communicate with the vessel and confirm the vessels had run up on the rocks.  Six Coast Guard vessels along with one from the South Korean Navy launched a search and rescue mission. Eleven of the crew would be later rescued by the Coast Guard. Two crew members, one from each vessel, were reported missing.  A nighttime search was conducted to locate the missing crew.

Reports state also that there were 2 deaths from the incident. Both the captain of the Samgwangho along with a crewmember of the 33 Manseonho suffered cardiac arrest. Both were taken to hospital where they were pronounced dead.

Both vessels sustained heavy damage by the storm as waves pounded the hulls against the rocks. An aerial view over the two vessels found they had broken apart with one missing its stern while the other lost large portion of its forepeak which washed ashore a short distance away. Pollution and debris could be seen along the nearby shoreline. There is no official statement from the owners if the vessels would be salvaged, but it appears the two fishing vessels were a total loss.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities are also investigating a possible false report of the number of crew on board the vessels. The 33 Manseonho had 8 crew on board while the Samgwangho had 7 crew. Authorities state there was some confusion to how many were reported during the rescue operations. News reports state one of the fishing vessels had suffered engine failure before running aground. No further details reported.