Diesel Spill at Gukdong Port in Yeosu... Boat Owner to Be Charged

Oil Leaked Through Fuel Tank Air Vent
Coast Guard: "Full Containment Costs Will Be Charged to Polluter"

Diesel leaked into the sea off the coast of Gukdong Port in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, prompting the Coast Guard to initiate containment operations.

Brown oil film spread over the sea at Yeosu Gukdong Port. Diesel leaked from the air vent of a fishing boat's fuel tank, prompting the Coast Guard to carry out containment operations. Provided by Yeosu Coast Guard Station

According to the Yeosu Coast Guard Station on June 8, a report was received at around 8:00 a.m. on June 5 that oil was floating on the water in front of a cold storage facility inside Gukdong Port. A brown oil film was observed at the scene, and the Coast Guard deployed containment vessels and oil-absorbing materials to prevent the spread of pollution.

As a result of the investigation, it was confirmed that diesel had leaked from the air vent of a fuel tank on one of ten fishing boats anchored nearby. The amount of diesel leaked is estimated to be about 56 liters.

The Coast Guard announced that, after investigating the exact circumstances of the incident, it plans to charge the owner of the fishing boat with violating the Marine Environment Management Act. The Coast Guard also stated that it will claim the full cost of labor and materials used in the containment operation from the party responsible for the pollution.