The 86 meter long cargo vessel Jinlong 7 caught fire in the East China Sea near Jeju Island, South Korea. The Jinlong 7 was en route to Shanghai from Rajun with a cargo of 1200 tons of timber when a fire broke out in the engine room. The crew was able to extinguish the blaze before help had time to arrive. The fire disabled the vessel and it was towed to Seogwipo, Jeju island for repairs. Reports state the fire was started by a broken fuel pipe.
The 9.7 tonne fishing vessel Dolgorae capsized off Chujado Island, South Korea. The vessel with 21 persons on board capsized after being caught by nets used by fish farms. The master of the Dolgorae ordered passengers to abandon ship as the fishing vessel filled with water. Those able to escape clung to the overturn hull for 10 hours before rescuers arrived. Reports state 10 perished with another 8 reported missing. Three survivors were flown to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The 22 ton tugboat 97 Samyoung sank off Busan, South Korea near Dudo Island. The 97 Samyoung was towing another vessel when its towing cable snapped and slapped against the side of the tug’s hull causing the vessel to later sink. The two crew on board were knocked into the water and were later found unconscious. The men were taken to hospital, but reported that they had perished. Authorities have placed booms around the sunken tug to contain any pollution released. Reports state an investigation has been launched about the incident.