East Sea Coast Guard Responds to Small Fishing Vessel Capsize off Yeongdeok
Captain's Life Saved Thanks to Life Jacket
The East Sea Regional Coast Guard (Commissioner Kim Seongjong) announced on November 30 that they safely rescued the captain of a small fishing vessel that capsized due to sudden gusts and high waves during the winter season by deploying a Coast Guard helicopter. In particular, the captain was able to preserve his life thanks to wearing a life jacket and making a prompt emergency call.
The East Sea Regional Coast Guard received a report on the 29th at around 10:46 AM that a 2.7-ton small fishing vessel, Vessel A, capsized due to sudden bad weather 12 km southeast of Ganggu Port, Yeongdeok, Gyeongbuk Province. They immediately dispatched rescue teams to the scene and safely rescued one captain by helicopter. Provided by the East Sea Regional Coast Guard
According to the East Sea Regional Coast Guard, at around 10:46 AM on the 29th, they received a report that a 2.7-ton small fishing vessel, Vessel A, had capsized due to sudden bad weather 12 kilometers southeast of Ganggu Port in Yeongdeok, North Gyeongsang Province. Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the scene, and the captain was safely rescued by helicopter.
Upon receiving the report, the East Sea Regional Coast Guard urgently deployed two Uljin Coast Guard patrol vessels, four coastal rescue boats, the Uljin rescue team, and one helicopter to the site.
They also requested rescue cooperation from one civilian fishing vessel operating nearby and the Mugunghwa 26 (a government vessel).
The Pohang Aviation Team helicopter of the East Sea Regional Coast Guard was the first to arrive at the scene. At around 11:08 AM, an air rescue specialist was deployed and used a hoist to lift the captain into the helicopter and rescue him.
The rescued captain was found to be conscious, though he was suffering from hypothermia and abrasions on both legs.
At 11:25 AM, the helicopter arrived at the Pohang Aviation Team base, and the captain was transported to a nearby hospital via emergency services. It has been confirmed that there is no threat to his life at present.
Kim Seongjong, Commissioner of the East Sea Regional Coast Guard, emphasized, "A prompt emergency call and the immediate response of rescue teams made it possible to save a precious life." He also stressed that the East Sea area often experiences sudden strong gusts and high waves during winter, so fishing vessels must exercise special caution and always wear safety equipment such as life jackets.
The East Sea Regional Coast Guard deployed two divers to carry out safety measures, such as shutting off the fuel valve, to prevent further loss of the capsized vessel and secondary accidents. They plan to investigate the exact cause of the accident going forward.
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