Browsed by
Tag: South Korea

Hyang Ro Bong

Hyang Ro Bong

Hyang Ro Bong
Photo: nate.com

On the afternoon of July 31, the 113 meter long, 1700 dwt South Korean Navy amphibious landing craft Hyang Ro Bong (LST-683) caught fire in the Sea of Japan off Jinhae, South Korea. The Hyang Ro Bong was entering the port at Jinhae when a fire started in a machinery space.  One of the auxiliary engines had ignited the blaze which spread to several adjacent compartments. Due to the compartment layout, the main fire wasn’t contained until the early morning the next day. Fire fighters would eventually extinguish the blaze some 12 hours after it started.

Three crew members sustained injuries during the incident. One was taken to hospital for treatment for burns while the other 2 received treatment for smoke inhalation and returned back to their unit. The South Korean Navy has launched an investigation into the incident. The extent of damage caused by the fire was not disclosed.

Hyang Ro Bong
Photo: wikipedia.org
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.