Altoran Superman Protecting the East Sea... Yeongdeok Nuriho Has Sailed 13,680 km in 2 Years Since Launch

Yeongdeok-gun Fisheries Guidance Vessel, All-round Player in Marine Resource Protection, Safe Fishing, and Pollution Prevention

Yeongdeok Nuriho.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Gwiyeol] Yeongdeok-gun, Gyeongbuk Province, is seeing the multipurpose fishery patrol vessel ‘Yeongdeok Nuriho,’ launched as part of the 6th local government administration’s pledge projects, perform beyond expectations.

It operates around the clock, not only conducting crackdowns on illegal fishing but also responding to various accidents, providing navigation guidance, and preventing marine pollution. Its multifaceted missions, true to its name, play a significant role in improving the fishing environment.

It has been in service for just over two years. The Yeongdeok Nuriho, which was commissioned on December 4, 2019, is a 56-ton aluminum steel vessel with a maximum speed of 25 knots and a maximum capacity of 20 crew members. Over the past two years, it has sailed a total of 282 times, averaging 12 trips per month, covering 8,500 miles over 700 hours.

A notable mission is the protection of the snow crab, a representative specialty of Yeongdeok-gun. The Yeongdeok Nuriho cracked down on 11 fishing vessels that violated fisheries-related laws and sent them to the prosecution. This vessel, which has become notorious among offenders by imposing administrative sanctions, has provided fishing guidance and safe navigation to 724 fishing vessels.

It also became a “Superman” vessel by towing four fishing boats drifting due to engine failure. It has played a proactive role in preventing maritime accidents.

The vessel has also fulfilled the role of a sea cleaner by efficiently collecting large drifting abandoned fishing nets. It has carried out various administrative support tasks such as preventing marine environmental pollution by blocking oil spills from sunken vessels and supporting coastal patrol activities.

Recently, in cooperation with coastal fishing vessels acting as private surveillance ships, it monitored and tracked fishing boats suspected of illegal fishing in areas where trap snow crab fishing is prohibited. It has also taken on the role of educating to prevent illegal fishing in advance and responded to complaints about damaged fishing nets.

An official from Yeongdeok-gun proudly stated, “With its performance over the past two years, it has become the guardian of Yeongdeok snow crab, our county’s most important asset.”

Lee Hee-jin, the mayor of Yeongdeok-gun, said, “It has exceeded expectations by protecting marine resources, which are like farmers’ fields to fishermen, and helping ensure safe fishing operations.”