414-Ton Barge Flooded After Hitting Reef off Cheongsando Coast

Two Workers Evacuate to Tugboat in Emergency

An accident occurred near Docheong Port, Cheongsando, Wando County, South Jeolla Province, when a barge carrying 800 tons of tetrapods came into contact with a reef and began to take on water. Fortunately, there were no casualties.

According to the Wando Coast Guard, at approximately 8:11 a.m. on December 5, Barge A (414 tons) began to list about 40 degrees to port and started flooding near Docheong Port in Cheongsando, Wando County.

A barge carrying 800 tons of tetrapods sailing near Docheong Port in Cheongsando, Wando County, collided with a reef and sank. Provided by Wando Coast Guard

At the time of the accident, two workers were on board the barge, but they quickly evacuated to Tugboat B (27 tons), which was standing by nearby, so no one was injured.

The Coast Guard investigation revealed that the barge was carrying 800 tons of tetrapods and was working at the Cheongsando outer port construction site when it struck a reef, causing a hole in the hull. The tugboat captain stated, "While moving into the harbor for repairs, the listing became more severe."

Upon receiving the accident report, the Wando Coast Guard immediately dispatched a total of eight vessels, including patrol boats and rescue teams, to the scene to implement safety measures. The barge has now been moved to a shallow area, eliminating the risk of further flooding or capsizing.

A Coast Guard official said, "We are taking all necessary safety precautions to prevent any additional accidents and are currently investigating the exact cause of the incident."