"Did They Catch Too Much?" Fishing Vessel Capsizes Near Byeongpungdo, Jindo

All Crew Members Rescued by Another Fishing Vessel
Mokpo Coast Guard: Accident Caused by Excessive Weight of Catch

A 24-ton coastal set net fishing vessel capsized about 9 km southeast of Byeongpungdo, Jindo County, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Mokpo Coast Guard

While fishing operations were underway, a fishing vessel capsized, but all crew members were rescued by another fishing boat passing nearby.

According to the Mokpo Coast Guard on September 16, at around 2:33 p.m., a report was received that a 24-ton coastal set net fishing vessel, registered in Mokpo and referred to as Vessel A, had capsized in waters about 9 kilometers southeast of Byeongpungdo, Jindo County, Jeollanam-do.

At the time, another coastal set net fishing vessel, referred to as Vessel B, was passing nearby and discovered the capsized Vessel A. The crew of Vessel B pressed the emergency rescue signal button on their radio to report the incident and immediately began rescue operations.

The crew members of the capsized Vessel A had climbed onto the lower part of the overturned hull and were waiting for rescue. Of the seven rescued crew members, two were suffering from fractures and chest pain and required hospital transport.

In response, the Coast Guard deployed a helicopter to airlift the two emergency patients to land, where they were handed over to fire authorities. It was reported that both individuals are not in life-threatening condition.

An investigation found that Vessel A had departed Mokpo North Port early that morning and was engaged in net hauling operations at the accident site when the boat capsized due to being unable to withstand the weight of the catch in the net, causing the vessel to tilt and overturn.

Meanwhile, the capsized Vessel A is scheduled to be moved from the accident site to Mokpo Port at a later date.