Marine Corps 1st Division Artillery Battalion Soldier Missing in Rapids
Private A's Father "Talked on the Phone Yesterday..." Breaks Down in Tears
Marine Corps and Fire Authorities Searching with Drones and More
In Yecheon, Gyeongbuk, the parents of a Marine who went missing after being swept away by the rapid currents of Naeseongcheon while searching for victims of heavy rain and landslide damage broke down in tears upon visiting the site.
On the morning of the 19th, a Marine who was searching in Homyeong-myeon, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongbuk, was swept away by a rapid current and went missing. Meanwhile, fellow Marines are waiting for rescue news with somber expressions. [Photo by Yonhap News]
On the 19th, the parents of Private A from the 1st Marine Division Artillery Battalion visited the area around Bomun Bridge in Homyeong-myeon, Yecheon-gun, where the disappearance occurred around 12:30 PM, according to Yonhap News.
Amid large-scale search operations, the families of the missing soldiers wept, pointing out that the soldiers were not provided with any safety equipment such as life jackets at the time.
Private A’s father cried out, "The current was strong, and it rained heavily until yesterday, so why weren’t they given life jackets? Are life jackets that expensive? Why no life jackets? The current was so strong?this is murder. Murder."
He continued, "Where is the military that doesn’t even provide life jackets? They don’t even follow the basics," and added, "I spoke with my son for just two minutes last night. I told him to be careful with the water," unable to continue.
Marine Corps personnel and firefighters are searching for a Marine Corps comrade who went missing after being swept away by a rapid current during a search operation in the Yecheon-gun area of Gyeongbuk on the morning of the 19th. [Photo by Marine Corps]
Private A’s mother broke down in tears, saying, "Our son was such a good boy. He wanted to join the Marines so badly, even though I told him not to go. Where is he? My son," and collapsed.
According to residents and witnesses who first reported the missing soldiers to 119 at the request of military officers, the Marines entered Naeseongcheon in a line wearing only boots without life jackets at the time of the accident. Some soldiers were submerged up to their waists, and residents, aware of the dangerous nature of the sandy river Naeseongcheon, watched the search operation with concern.
According to the Ministry of National Defense, about 11,000 soldiers were deployed on the day to search for missing persons and support damage recovery in 34 cities and counties affected by flooding, including Yecheon, Gyeongbuk. Since the 15th, a total of about 32,000 soldiers have been deployed for flood response, search operations, and resident support.
Marines Deploy IBS to Find Missing Soldier
On the morning of the 19th, a Marine soldier who was searching in Homyeong-myeon, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongbuk, was swept away by a rapid current and went missing. The Marine Corps Special Search Unit is conducting a search at the missing person's last known location. [Photo by Yonhap News]
Private A, who was deployed to the search site since the previous day, was swept away by the swollen river while searching for missing persons in formation with fellow soldiers in Naeseongcheon from the morning. Two other Marines who were swept away with him reportedly managed to swim to safety.
The Marines are conducting search operations together with the 119 rescue team, deploying landing inflatable boats (IBS) and other equipment to find the missing soldier. Due to Private A’s disappearance, all searches for missing persons in the Yecheon area have been temporarily suspended.
On the morning of the 19th, a Marine soldier who was searching in Homyeong-myeon, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongbuk, was swept away by a rapid current and went missing, while a police helicopter is conducting a search. [Photo by Yonhap News]
The fire department’s drone team discovered an unidentified body near Gyeongjin Bridge in Dongsong-ri, Gaepo-myeon, at around 10:35 AM, causing confusion as it was initially thought to be Private A. The body was later confirmed to be a missing person in their 70s who was swept away by water on a road in Jegok-ri, Yongmun-myeon, during evacuation on the 15th.
Private A’s parents, who visited the search site for their missing son, are watching the rescue operation with tearful and anxious hearts.
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