Mokpo Coast Guard Urges Caution Against Reckless 'Vessel Navigation' During Severe Weather Conditions

Safety Rules Compliance... "Be Careful of Ship Safety in Thick Sea Fog"

In July 2019, a collision between fishing vessels occurred off the coast of Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do due to thick sea fog, prompting the Coast Guard to launch an emergency rescue operation. (Photo by Mokpo Coast Guard Station)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] Fog occurring at sea, known as haemu (海霧), unlike typhoons, appears without warning and often occurs locally due to geographical characteristics.

Especially nowadays, when warm air flowing into Korea after spring meets the cold sea, causing dense sea fog, it is a time that requires special caution and prevention against maritime accidents due to guerrilla-type haemu.

According to Mokpo Coast Guard Station (Chief Im Jae-su) on the 14th, in the past three years (2018?2020), a total of 407 vessels were involved in maritime accidents during the agricultural fog season (March to July) within the jurisdiction, accounting for 36% of all vessel accidents (1,129 vessels).

In particular, last May, near Heuksando in Sinan-gun, a cargo ship ran aground on a reef in poor visibility due to dense sea fog. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but it was a precarious situation that could have led to a major accident.

We must not overlook that a single moment of negligence and lack of safety awareness can cause a major disaster at sea.

To prevent accidents and minimize damage during the agricultural fog season, safety awareness among maritime workers is most important. They must thoroughly comply with checking weather conditions before departure, adhering to navigation rules, refraining from reckless sailing, prohibiting alcohol consumption and drowsy driving, and wearing life jackets.

A Mokpo Coast Guard official urged, “Since many maritime accidents occur due to localized heavy rain and guerrilla-type fog, maritime workers should refrain from reckless sailing during bad weather and voluntarily comply with safety rules,” adding, “The Coast Guard will do its best to prevent maritime accidents during the agricultural fog season.”