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Tag: South Korea

Geungwang

Geungwang

Geungwang
Photo: Korea Coast Guard

On the morning of December 9, the 29 tonne fishing vessel Geungwang collided with a 456 tonne barge in the Sea of Japan six kilometers off the coast of Gyeongju, South Korea. The Geungwang capsized after the collision trapping the eight crew on board. The Korea Coast Guard was alerted and dispatched 15 vessels and 6 helicopters to conduct a search and rescue operation. Divers were deployed and found seven persons inside the overturned fishing vessel. They would be recovered and taken to hospital where they were pronounced deceased. One member of the Geungwang crew is still reported as missing. Reports state there were no injures among the 10 crew onboard the barge. No further details reported.

Geumseong 135

Geumseong 135

Geumseong 135
Photo: Korea Coast Guard

On the early morning hours of November 8, the 36.67 meter long, 129 ton fishing vessel Geumseong 135 (IMO: 8916592) sank in the Korea Strait near Jeju Island, South Korea. The Geumseong 135 had been hauling in its catch when it lost stability, rolled over and sunk. A few minutes after the vessel sank, the Coast Guard received an alert and quickly responded. The Coast Guard deployed 14 patrol vessels and 4 helicopters to search for survivors. The Coast Guard had requested additional vessels and aircraft to assisted in the search.  Rescuers found 15 of the 27 of the Geumseong 135 crew. Two of the crew rescued were found in cardiac arrest and were later declared deceased.

Over the following days, the Coast Guard recovered two additional bodies from the sea with 10 crew still missing. An oil sheen was visible over the wreck which rests in a depth of 80 to 90 meters.

Reports state the reason the Geumseong 135 lost stability due to the size of the catch in the net was 3 to 5 times greater than normally be caught. The incident is under investigation.

 

Mediterranea

Mediterranea

Mediterranea
Photo: imbc.com

On August 14, the 292 meter long, 7500 dwt passenger cruise ship Mediterranea caught fire while arriving at pier 8 in Jeju, South Korea.  The Mediterranea had departed from Tianjin, China when smoke was spotted near the engine room. A fire had started in a machine room caused by a mechanical failure in the air conditioning system. The fire while contained below decks had spewed out toxic smoke along large section of the starboard side of the vessel.

Fortunately, the crew was able to respond quickly to the blaze.  An automated water sprinkler system was engaged and extinguished the fire.  All passengers on board were safely disembarked with no reports of injuries to the 2436 passengers on board.

Three crew suffered smoke inhalation that received emergency treatment on site. The Korean Coast Guard and local fire deparment inspected the vessel for damage and concluded the Mediterranea was cleared to proceed on its next port of call at Fukoka, Japan.  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.