1t-Class Boat Tilts After Hitting Reef... Changwon Coast Guard Conducts Rescue Operation on Grounded Vessel

Changwon Maritime Police inspecting the damaged area of the stranded ship. [Image source=Changwon Maritime Police Station]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Lee Seryeong] At around 1:56 PM on the 28th, a 1-ton class vessel ran aground in the waters in front of Gaeguri Island, Guigok-dong, Seongsan-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongnam, prompting the Coast Guard to launch an emergency rescue operation.

According to Changwon Coast Guard, the vessel departed from the dock in Namseong-dong, Masanhappo-gu at around 12:48 PM that day and while navigating, it struck a reef in the waters in front of Gaeguri Island at about 1:05 PM, causing it to tilt to the left.

While the crew attempted to escape on their own, a passerby on the opposite shore noticed and reported the situation.

The Coast Guard urged the crew to wear life jackets and dispatched the Masan Police Substation coastal rescue boat and Changwon Rescue Team to the scene.

Immediately upon arrival, the Coast Guard rescued one crew member and inspected the damaged parts of the vessel.

The Coast Guard rescue team identified holes in the vessel and, to prevent sinking and secondary accidents, sealed the air vent valve and installed buoyancy buoys.

Considering the tide and weather conditions, the Coast Guard stated that they plan to salvage the grounded vessel after consulting with the owner.

A Changwon Coast Guard official said, “Please check the weather and tide carefully before departure and ensure you are fully familiar with the terrain for safe navigation.”