Coast Guard Continues Nighttime Search for Missing Crew After Chinese Fishing Vessel Capsizes

2 Dead, 3 Missing Among 11 Crew Members
Survivors: "The Ship Suddenly Capsized While Lowering the Anchor"

The Korea Coast Guard is continuing its search for missing persons from the capsizing of a Chinese fishing vessel in international waters of the West Sea, even during nighttime hours.

On November 9, the Mokpo Coast Guard deployed two large patrol ships, three aircraft, and the West Sea Special Rescue Unit to conduct an intensive search for three missing individuals. After sunset, the search operation has continued with the support of military aircraft, launching flares to illuminate the area.

Yonhap News Agency

Earlier that day, at around 6:50 a.m., a 98-ton Chinese fishing vessel, identified as Vessel A, capsized in international waters approximately 81 kilometers off Gageodo, Shinan, South Jeolla Province. As a result of this accident, out of the 11 Chinese crew members on board, two were killed and three remain missing. The remaining six crew members were rescued by nearby fishing vessels and are reported to be in stable condition.

Upon inspection of the vessel, the Coast Guard found no signs of external collision. Surviving crew members reportedly stated, "The ship suddenly tilted while lowering the anchor, and everyone escaped into the sea." The Coast Guard believes the vessel lost balance and capsized, and is focusing on the possibility that the missing individuals may be drifting at sea.

All eight people who were rescued (including the two deceased) were wearing life jackets, but it has not yet been confirmed whether the three missing individuals were wearing them. A Mokpo Coast Guard official stated, "We will continue the search as long as weather conditions do not worsen," and added, "Since the accident occurred in international waters, the investigation into the circumstances and the handling of the rescued crew members will be conducted by China, the flag state of the vessel."

International waters refer to areas of the sea that do not fall under the sovereignty of any one country and can be freely used by all nations for navigation, fishing, research, and other activities.