Seogwipo Maritime Police Officer Kim Minseong
Rescues Passenger During Vacation in Thailand
An active Coast Guard officer who was traveling in Thailand was later revealed to have rescued passengers from a sinking boat.
Recently, a post titled "Thank you to Coast Guard Officer Kim Minseong who saved us from a boat sinking accident during a trip to Thailand" was uploaded on the 'Let's Praise' board on the Korea Coast Guard website.
The incident occurred on the 6th of last month. The author, along with four Korean tourists and one local driver, were touring the local market at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Thailand. Near the end of the tour, the boat tilted sharply to the right, collided with a wall, and water began to enter the hull.
As the situation became apparent, water rose up to their shoes and waist, and the stern of the boat submerged, causing it to sink. Even the local driver, who was supposed to manage the situation, was flustered and unable to take action. The author recalled, "I was so panicked that I couldn't get off the boat or do anything. Since the driver did not tell us to get off, I couldn't determine whether escaping the boat or staying still was safer," adding, "It was very frightening." Before they knew it, the water had risen above their necks.
At that moment, one of the tourists on the boat shouted, "Get off the boat!" and began guiding the tourists to escape. Hearing this, the tourists regained their composure and hurriedly escaped the boat, and the man came out of the water and rescued all the tourists. He also checked the tourists' health and helped manage the situation by explaining the circumstances of the accident.
It turned out that the man was Sergeant Kim Minseong of the Safety Team aboard the 5002 ship of the Seogwipo Coast Guard Station. Sergeant Kim was on vacation traveling in Thailand. The author wrote, "After the accident, we found out that the person who saved us was a Coast Guard officer. That's why I am leaving this praise post," and added, "I would like to once again express my gratitude to Sergeant Kim Minseong, who saved our lives in a place where communication was difficult."
Sergeant Kim said, "First, I deeply appreciate the great interest shown in our Coast Guard," and added, "I will always fulfill my responsibilities as a servant who protects the lives and safety of the people. Going forward, our Coast Guard will remain faithful to our basic duties and strive to be a strong and reliable Coast Guard for the people in the field."
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