'Crossed the Line' YouTuber Illegally Boarding Ships Under Repair at Busan Port

Secretly Boarding Large Ship... Video Uploaded Showing Various Interior Areas
Busan Port Authority Says "Entering Without Permission Is a Safety Risk"

It was later revealed that YouTubers trespassed and filmed on board vessel A, which was docked for repairs at Gamcheon Port in Busan following an explosion accident. Photo by a screenshot from a YouTube video filming inside vessel A.

[Asia Economy Culture Young Intern Reporter] It was recently revealed that YouTubers illegally trespassed at night onto a large ship docked for repairs at Gamcheon Port in Busan, where an explosion accident occurred.

According to Busan Port Authority on the 14th, a video was uploaded on YouTube showing the interior of ship A (25,881 tons) docked at Gamcheon Port, Saha-gu, Busan, last July.

The trespassers filmed and uploaded the video titled "Dangerous Cargo Ship Ruined by Explosion Accident." This act not only violates current laws but also raises concerns about potential casualties due to the nature of the port and the repair ship, prompting calls for restraint.

The ship, an oil tanker, was damaged in a large explosion accident in Ulsan in 2019 and entered Busan Gamcheon Port in May for repairs. The YouTubers introduced various parts of the ship’s interior, including the engine room, cargo hold, and bridge, which were ruined by the accident. The problem lies in the fact that their unauthorized entry into the ship is illegal.

In fact, complaints regarding the YouTubers’ actions were filed with the Busan Port Authority last month. According to current law, unauthorized entry into vessels or aircraft managed by people constitutes trespassing.

The pier they entered is not a restricted security area, so the general public can access it. However, the ship is private property, and entry requires the shipowner’s permission.

A Busan Port Authority official stated, "The pier is a place where the general public, such as anglers, can freely enter. However, unauthorized entry into ship A, which is private property, can be an issue raised by the shipowner, but the owner has not yet expressed any intention to file a separate complaint."

Regardless of the shipowner’s permission, unauthorized access by the public to ships docked at the port can pose safety risks. Due to the nature of the port, there are many hazards such as falling into the sea or being crushed by dangerous heavy equipment. Especially for ships like A, which are docked for repairs, structural defects may cause damage from fire or collapse.

The Busan Port Authority official added, "When oil tanker A entered the port, related agencies thoroughly checked for the presence of hazardous substances due to safety concerns, which was somewhat fortunate." He continued, "Such actions by YouTubers crossing the ship’s boundary could lead to a serious accident."

The official warned, "Unlike on land, even a small accident at sea can lead to a major incident threatening lives. Since accidents such as ship sinking or fire can occur at any time, such actions must never be taken out of mere curiosity."