Mokpo Coast Guard Catches 16 Aquaculture Management Boats Operating During High Seas Warning

Sixteen Aquaculture Management Vessels Detected Operating During High Seas Warning
Suspected Violation of Fishing Vessel Safety Operation Act at Hoedong Port

Mokpo Coast Guard (Chief Kwon Oseong) announced on the 14th that at around 9:50 a.m. on the 13th, they detected 16 aquaculture management vessels at Hoedong Port in Gogun-myeon, Jindo-gun, that had forcibly continued operations despite a high seas warning being issued.

These vessels are suspected of violating the Fishing Vessel Safety Operation Act by departing to harvest seaweed while a high seas warning was in effect in the southern part of the West Sea.

Mokpo Coast Guard is investigating the captain who operated under the storm warning for violations. Photo by Mokpo Coast Guard Station

According to the Act on the Safety Operation of Fishing Vessels and the Promotion of Safety and Health of Crew Members, when a high seas warning is issued between November 1 and March 31 of the following year, fishing vessels under 30 tons in total tonnage are prohibited from departing and operating. Violation of this regulation results in administrative penalties.

A Mokpo Coast Guard official stated, "Departing during severe weather advisories greatly increases the risk of accidents, so we urge you to refrain from reckless departures and operations."

Meanwhile, the Mokpo Coast Guard is conducting a special winter maritime safety crackdown from November 21 last year to February 28 this year, as the risk of marine accidents increases due to worsening weather conditions during the winter season.