Fishing Boat Tragedy Off Jeju Island Claims Lives

SEOUL: A tragic incident occurred off the coast of South Korea’s Jeju island on Friday when a fishing boat capsized and sank, resulting in the loss of at least two lives and leaving 12 others missing. This unfortunate event highlights the dangers faced by fishermen and the unpredictable nature of the sea.

The fishing boat, which was carrying a total of 27 crew members, including 16 South Korean nationals and 11 foreigners, departed from Jeju’s Seogwipo port late Thursday. The vessel was on a mission to catch mackerel when it encountered difficulties. At approximately 4:30 a.m. on Friday, a nearby fishing vessel received a distress signal and promptly initiated rescue operations as the boat sank 24 kilometers northwest of Jeju island.

Coast guard officials reported that nearby fishing vessels successfully rescued 15 crew members from the water. However, two of these individuals were later pronounced dead after being brought to shore. Fortunately, the remaining 13 crew members did not sustain life-threatening injuries, as confirmed by Kim Han-na, an official at Jeju’s coast guard.

In response to the incident, South Korea’s coast guard, along with police, fire service, and military personnel, deployed at least 11 vessels and nine aircraft to search for the missing crew members. Additionally, 13 civilian vessels joined the rescue efforts, demonstrating a collective commitment to finding those unaccounted for.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has urged officials to mobilize all available resources to locate and rescue the missing crew members. This call to action reflects the seriousness of the situation and the importance of ensuring the safety of those who work at sea.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with fishing, a profession that many undertake to provide for their families. As the search continues, the thoughts and prayers of the nation are with the families of those affected. It is crucial for authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sinking to prevent such tragedies in the future. The sea can be both a source of livelihood and a perilous environment, and it is essential to prioritize safety measures for all who venture into its depths.