Drunk Man in His 60s Falls Into Sea on Way to Restroom... Unconscious but Rescued in 3 Minutes

66-Year-Old Man Survives Dramatic Fall into Wando Sea
Thanks to Swift Coast Guard Rescue

In Wando County, South Jeolla Province, a man in his 60s who had been drinking alcohol fell into the sea while on his way to the restroom, but his life was saved thanks to the swift rescue by the Coast Guard.

According to the Wando Coast Guard Station on December 28, a report was received at 10:49 p.m. the previous day that "a person has fallen into the sea" in the waters in front of the Hakrimhoe Center in Wando County.

A man in his 60s who had been drinking alcohol in Wando County fell into the sea and was rescued by the Coast Guard, saving his life. Photo by Wando Coast Guard Station

Mr. A (66) had been drinking with acquaintances at the Hakrimhoe Center and left his seat to go to the restroom. While on his way, he fell into the sea. When Mr. A did not return, an acquaintance went outside to look for him, discovered him in the water, and called 119 for help.

The Wando Coast Guard immediately dispatched rescue personnel upon receiving the report. Three minutes after the report, at 10:52 p.m., a patrol car from the Wando Coast Guard substation arrived at the scene. An officer jumped directly into the water and attempted to rescue Mr. A, who was unconscious.

Soon after, the Wando Coast Guard rescue team arrived and jointly rescued Mr. A. After moving him to land, they immediately performed CPR, and Mr. A regained consciousness. He was transported by the 119 emergency team to a nearby hospital and is currently reported to be in stable condition.

A Coast Guard official stated, "After drinking, balance is impaired near the coast, harbors, or piers, which greatly increases the risk of falling accidents, so extra caution is necessary. Around stairs or breakwaters, maintain a safe distance, and if someone falls into the water, the correct response to prevent secondary accidents is to immediately report it and throw a buoyant object such as a lifebuoy, rather than attempting a risky direct rescue."