Excavator Falls into the Sea at Geoje Gohyeon Port... 40s Driver Escapes Dramatically

At around 2:42 PM on the 6th, a 50-ton excavator fell into the sea near Gohyeon Port in Geoje-si, Gyeongnam.

According to Changwon Coast Guard, the excavator operator, Mr. A, in his 40s, was working from 1:00 PM to about 2:15 PM, pouring stones into the sea with the excavator to compact the ground in the port reclamation construction area when the accident occurred as he was coming out.

The excavator slipped along with the stones and fell into the sea, but Mr. A managed to escape on his own.

Equipment such as cranes are attaching a hook to the top of the excavator that fell into the sea to pull it out.
[Photo by Changwon Maritime Police Station]

The Changwon Coast Guard, notified by nearby workers and witnesses, dispatched patrol vessels and rescue teams to the scene and confirmed that there were no other passengers inside the excavator.

Mr. A was transported to a hospital for mental and physical stabilization, and the excavator that fell into the sea was successfully salvaged.

The Coast Guard is investigating the exact cause of the accident based on statements from Mr. A and witnesses.

A Changwon Coast Guard official said, “If a vehicle falls, please remain calm and act calmly,” adding, “In case of a vehicle falling into the sea, the driver may be pulled in as well, so you should break the window corner strongly using an emergency hammer or headrest to escape.”