Diver in His 60s Dies While Collecting Mussels off Heuksando Island

Sudden Fall into the Sea While Resting After First Dive
Mokpo Coast Guard Investigating Exact Cause of Accident

Exterior View of Mokpo Coast Guard Headquarters

A diver collecting mussels near Heuksando Island, Jeollanam-do, died in an accident while working.

According to the Mokpo Coast Guard on September 3, at around 9:16 a.m., a report was received from a 4.99-ton fishing vessel registered in Yeosu with five crew members, operating approximately 180 meters north of Gukhildo in Heuksan-myeon, Sinan-gun, stating that a diver in his 60s had fallen into the sea while engaging in surface-supplied diving.

The diver who fell into the water was immediately rescued by another vessel at the scene but was reportedly in cardiac arrest.

The Coast Guard took over the patient at 9:49 a.m. and performed emergency measures such as CPR and defibrillation while transporting him to land and then to a hospital, but he was ultimately pronounced dead.

According to the investigation, the deceased diver was using a surface-supplied diving method, commonly known as "Meoguri," to collect mussels and other seafood. After his first dive, he was resting and sitting on the side of the fishing boat preparing for a second dive when he suddenly fell into the sea.

The Coast Guard is investigating the exact cause of the accident by questioning witnesses and others involved.