A large amount of fuel oil (diesel) leaked from a Navy vessel anchored off the coast of Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, South Gyeongsang Province, prompting ongoing containment and cleanup operations.
According to Changwon Maritime Police Station and the Navy on May 11, a report was received by Changwon Coast Guard at 9:49 a.m. that diesel fuel had leaked during a fuel transfer operation on a 2,500-ton class Navy vessel belonging to the Naval Operations Command, which was anchored near Somodo in Jinhae-gu. Approximately 10,000 liters of diesel were spilled into the sea as a result of this incident. The spill is estimated to have spread within a radius of about 500 meters.
The Navy believes the accident occurred while fuel was being transferred from the ship's storage tank to various onboard equipment while the vessel was anchored.
The Navy became aware of the situation at 9:08 a.m. and initially conducted its own containment efforts before reporting the incident to Changwon Coast Guard.
Changwon Coast Guard mobilized eight vessels, including patrol ships, the Coast Guard rescue team, and coastal rescue boats, along with thirteen Navy vessels, to carry out maritime containment and cleanup operations. As of now, approximately 80% of the cleanup operation has been completed.
A Navy official stated, "We are investigating the cause and circumstances of the accident. Based on the results of the investigation, we will respond strictly and establish measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future."
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