Minister of Oceans and Fisheries: "Crew members trapped inside the vessel after abalone accident to be reached today... Missing crew presumed to have left the hull"

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Cho Seung-hwan, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, stated regarding the capsizing accident of the 24-ton trap fishing vessel Cheongboho off the coast of Sinan, Jeollanam-do, "The accident occurred at night, making it difficult, and entering the vessel is very challenging due to fishing gear and double structures inside."

After receiving a briefing on the accident at Mokpo Coast Guard on the morning of the 5th, Minister Cho said about the 9 missing crew members, "It is difficult to say for certain, but based on testimonies, it is believed that the missing crew members may have left the vessel rather than remaining inside."

The Coast Guard attempted to enter the accident vessel using divers, but it is known that they are facing difficulties due to about 3,000 traps being entangled.

Minister Cho said, "We will cut the fishing nets and enter the vessel within today, and will also promptly proceed with the salvage of the capsized ship." He added, "We are tracking using a system that inputs tidal currents, ocean currents, and wind speed."

Earlier, at around 11:19 PM on the 4th, the 24-ton nearshore trap fishing vessel Cheongboho, registered in Incheon, capsized 9 nautical miles west of Daebichi Island near Imjado, Sinan. Of the 12 crew members on board, 3 were rescued and 9 are missing.

[Image source=Yonhap News]