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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.

Capsized off Gopado Island

Capsized off Gopado Island

Unnamed Ferry
Photo: Taean Maritime Police Station

On December 30, an 83 ton unnamed ferry capsized in the Garorim Bay off  Gopado Island near Seosan, South Korea. The ferry had departed from Udo with 7 crew when it lost stability and rolled over.

South Korean Coast Guard arrived on scene and found two of the crew in the water.  Divers searched the overturned vessel and found the master of the ferry in one of the interior spaces. He had suffered cardiac arrest and later pronounced deceased.

Coast Guard along with the Taean Maritime Police deployed 20 vessels and 5 helicopters searching for the four remaining missing crew. Reports state the search was difficult due to strong currents, wind and the rising tide. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

Unnamed Ferry
Photo: yna.co.kr

 

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.