Fishing boat collides with Wonsan Anmyeon Bridge pier... 3 dead, 19 injured

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] A fishing boat carrying 22 people collided with a bridge pier while navigating the early morning sea in the West Sea, resulting in 3 deaths and 19 injuries.

At around 5:40 a.m. on the 31st, a 9.77-ton fishing boat carrying 22 people collided with a pier under the Wonsan-Anmyeon Bridge, which connects Anmyeondo in Taean-gun, Chungnam, and Wonsando in Boryeong-si. As a result of the accident, 3 people died, and another person was transferred to a hospital in an unconscious state and is receiving treatment. Three other crew members sustained serious injuries, and 15 people including the captain suffered minor injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

According to the investigation, the accident vessel departed from Boryeong Ocheon Port at around 5:10 a.m. that day and was sailing at a somewhat fast speed of 27 km/h (15 knots) when it collided with the pier. It was reported that the crew had come to Boryeong for weekend fishing.

The Coast Guard dispatched patrol vessels and coastal rescue boats to the scene upon the captain's report and rescued the crew members. It was confirmed that the captain was not operating the vessel under the influence of alcohol. All crew members were wearing life jackets at the time of rescue. The Coast Guard has booked the captain on charges including professional negligence resulting in death and is investigating the detailed circumstances.