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Accidents involving slips and falls from tetrapods along coastal breakwaters continue to occur. Once someone falls in, it is practically impossible to get out on their own, often leading to fatalities.
Reporter Jo Jaegeun checked just how dangerous tetrapods are with the assistance of the Coast Guard.
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Rescue teams descend through the narrow gaps between the tetrapods.
They lift an injured angler who fell to the bottom where seawater flows in, placing them on a stretcher.
Fortunately, the victim's life was spared, but they suffered severe head injuries.
Over the past six years, 198 tetrapods accidents nationwide resulted in 34 deaths.
The fatality rate stands at 17%, meaning one person loses their life for every six accidents.
We checked the impact of a fall using a mannequin.
It plunges to the ground in a split second from a height of 4 meters.
Had it been a person, there is a high likelihood of losing consciousness or sustaining severe injuries to the head, neck, or lower back.
As you can see, there is nothing to grab with your hands or step on to climb out beneath the tetrapods.
Due to slippery surfaces and steep slopes, once you fall, it is difficult to escape on your own even if you are conscious.
No matter how loudly you cry for help, your voice gets drowned out by the waves, boat engines, and wind, making it hard to carry far.
[Kim Jae-hoon / Inspector, Donghae Maritime Special Rescue Team: When we encounter such situations, despite our extensive training and wearing full gear, we believe that if someone falls down there alone, it is very difficult for them to climb back up on their own.]
Access has been prohibited at 20 tetrapod sites nationwide where the risk of accidents is high, but incidents continue to occur even in places where access is permitted.
[Lee Jong-wook / Acting Head of the Donghae Regional Coast Guard: Before visiting the sea, please check the weather and sea conditions, and make sure to wear a life jacket in permitted areas.]
Especially when weather conditions are poor, such as when there are high swells or rain, the risk of accidents is high and rescue becomes even more difficult, making it crucial to stay away.
(Video by Kim Dae-chul | Graphics by Yang Gi-tae | Footage provided by Donghae Regional Coast Guard)
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