Yeosu Maritime Police Report 18 Marine Pollution Incidents in First Half of Year

Marine Accidents Such as Flooding and Sinking Are the Leading Causes of Pollution
Strengthening Prevention and Response Systems Through Incident Analysis

Yeosu Maritime Police Station (Chief Kim Kiyong) announced on July 31 that a total of 18 marine pollution incidents occurred in the eastern sea area of South Jeolla Province during the first half of this year, resulting in approximately 1.33 kL of pollutants being discharged into the sea.

This figure represents an increase of 2 incidents compared to the same period last year (16 incidents), while the amount of discharged pollutants remained at a similar level to the previous year.

According to Yeosu Maritime Police, 11 containment measures were implemented using oil booms and absorbent materials to prevent the spread of spilled oil, and 5 additional measures were taken to prevent the discharge of pollutants, including the sealing of air vents and fire suppression.

The most common cause of these incidents was maritime accidents such as flooding and sinking, accounting for 8 cases (44%). Accidents caused by human negligence followed with 5 cases (27%).

By source of pollution, fishing vessels were responsible for the largest number of incidents with 7 cases (38%). However, in terms of the amount of pollutants released, other vessels (such as motorboats and barges) accounted for the largest share, with a total of 452 liters (34%) spilled.

Considering that marine pollution incidents caused by maritime accidents such as fishing vessel flooding and capsizing continue to occur, the Yeosu Maritime Police's Response Division plans to strengthen patrols around ports and harbors where vulnerable groups of vessels are concentrated. In addition, the division will conduct customized inspections for fishing vessels, including checks on the legal disposal of bilge water and the management of waste records.

Along with these measures, the division will focus on managing high-risk areas such as refueling operations at anchorages and maritime construction sites, aiming to establish a multi-layered response system that covers both accident prevention and rapid response. This will strengthen the 24-hour response system on both land and sea.

Ju Jinyoung, head of the Marine Pollution Response Division, stated, "Based on marine pollution incident data by period, we will establish a robust prevention and response posture through proactive activities, and we will create a clean and safe sea through active cooperation with relevant agencies."