[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] A tragic accident occurred at a beach in Goseong-gun, Gangwon Province, where a mother, her son, and her niece were swept away and died due to a surge wave while playing in the sand.
According to the Sokcho Coast Guard, at around 1:58 p.m. on the 28th, three people?A (39) from Gyeonggi Province, her son B (6), and her niece C (6)?were swept away by a sudden surge wave at a beach in front of a cafe in Yongchon-ri, Toseong-myeon, Goseong-gun.
The Coast Guard and 119 rescue team, who responded to the report, rescued the three within about 10 minutes and transported them to the hospital, but all were reported deceased. It was also confirmed that they were unconscious at the time of rescue.
The Coast Guard believes that A entered the water to rescue B and C, who were playing in the sand on the beach and were swept away by the waves, and was caught in the accident together.
Although the storm warning issued for the East Sea earlier that morning had been lifted, it was confirmed that surge waves over 1.5 meters high were occurring at the beach at the time of the accident.
Surge waves differ from wind-generated waves caused by local winds; they are waves whose energy is generated in distant waters and suddenly surge all at once. They are known to be dangerous because they can suddenly rush to the shore even on clear days without wind.
At the same beach where the accident occurred, in September 2016, two elementary school brothers were swept away by surge waves, resulting in the death of the older brother (then 10 years old). The younger brother (then 8 years old) narrowly survived thanks to the rescue efforts of nearby people.
The Coast Guard urged people to refrain from playing in the water at the beach as much as possible, since high surge waves can occur even after storm warnings are lifted.
The Coast Guard is investigating the exact circumstances of the accident based on witness statements.
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