Special Maritime Safety Crackdown to Be Conducted Until the 28th of Next Month
Mokpo Coast Guard (Chief Kwon Oseong) announced that on the afternoon of the 12th, at around 4:40 PM, they apprehended Captain B (in his 50s) of vessel A (9.77 tons, registered in Heuksan) near Gageodo for violating the Fishing Vessel Act by operating the vessel with passengers exceeding the maximum allowed capacity.
According to Mokpo Coast Guard on the 14th, vessel A was subject to inspection upon entering Gageodo Port. The maximum permitted number of passengers is 22, but it was confirmed that the vessel was operating with 30 people onboard (the captain and 29 fishing tourists), exceeding the limit.
Mokpo Coast Guard apprehended a fishing vessel that boarded anglers exceeding the maximum passenger capacity. Photo by Mokpo Coast Guard Station
On the morning of the 12th, at around 6:30 AM, vessel A boarded 21 fishing tourists at Gageodo Port and dropped them off at a rocky shore. Then, at around 7:30 AM, it boarded an additional 8 fishing tourists at Gageodo Port and dropped them off at the same location. Later, at approximately 4:30 PM, all 29 fishing tourists boarded vessel A and returned to Gageodo Port.
The Coast Guard plans to conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances with Captain B and will take action according to relevant laws.
A Mokpo Coast Guard official stated, "Operating a vessel exceeding the maximum passenger capacity during the harsh winter weather is a dangerous act that jeopardizes safety," and added, "We urge all fishing industry workers to comply with relevant laws to ensure safe use of the sea."
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