Lost Direction While Nighttime Shellfish Gathering
A father and son who became lost and stranded while night fishing for shellfish in the tidal flats of Jeungdo, Shinan County, South Jeolla Province, were safely rescued thanks to the swift response of the Coast Guard and fire authorities.
The Mokpo Coast Guard (Chief Chae Sujun) announced on July 28 that at approximately 10:20 p.m. on July 27, they received a report that a tourist, identified as Mr. A, and his 7-year-old son had become stranded in the tidal flats near Jjangttungeo Bridge on Jeungdo, Shinan County.
Upon receiving the report, the Jido Police Substation of the Coast Guard arrived at the scene in about 15 minutes, visually confirmed the location of those in need of rescue, and immediately began creating a passage through the tidal flats. The Coast Guard rescue team traveled on foot approximately 400 meters from the shore, reaching the father and son at 10:49 p.m. They safely carried the son on their back and escorted both to land.
The father and son had entered the tidal flats around 8:00 p.m. to fish for shellfish, but lost their sense of direction and became stranded as night fell. Fortunately, it was reported that neither suffered any health issues.
Sergeant Kim Jiho of the Jido Police Substation, who led the rescue, advised, "Nighttime shellfish gathering poses visibility challenges and is highly sensitive to tidal changes, so it is important to wear safety equipment and avoid attempting to enter the tidal flats recklessly."
The Mokpo Coast Guard plans to strengthen safety education and promotional activities to prevent stranding accidents as the number of tourists engaging in shellfish gathering and tidal flat experiences increases during the summer season.
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