34-Ton Vessel Catches Fire South of Hongdo, Tongyeong; No Casualties Reported

The Coast Guard is extinguishing a ship fire and rescuing the crew members. Photo by Tongyeong Coast Guard Station

At around 11:21 a.m. on the 10th, a fire broke out on a 34-ton coastal gillnet fishing vessel near the waters 29 nautical miles south of Hongdo, Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province.

The fire was completely extinguished by the Tongyeong Coast Guard, who received the report, at around 12:34 p.m., and all eight crew members were rescued.

It was determined that the crew members attempted to extinguish the fire themselves at first, but when they were unable to control the flames, they requested rescue assistance.

The Tongyeong Coast Guard moved the burned vessel to Tongyeong Port and is currently investigating the exact cause of the fire and the extent of the damage by questioning the captain and other related personnel.

Chief Lee Sangin said, "To prevent fires on vessels, fishermen should thoroughly conduct safety inspections before fishing operations and promptly report any accidents to the Coast Guard."