Fishing Boat Capsizes After Collision Off Tongyeong Waters Overnight, One Injured

Early this morning, off the coast of Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do, a fishing boat carrying seven people capsized after colliding with another vessel, resulting in one injury.

According to the Tongyeong Coast Guard, the accident occurred at around 3:50 a.m. today (the 23rd) in waters 0.2 nautical miles (370 meters) north of Chukdo Island, Maejuk-ri, Hansan-myeon, Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do. A 3-ton fishing boat registered in Geoje, designated as Vessel A, was anchored and fishing when it was struck by Vessel B, a 30-ton Danish seine fishing vessel registered in Tongyeong that was underway.

Due to the collision, Vessel A listed, causing three people on deck, including the captain, to fall into the sea. They were safely rescued by a nearby vessel.

The remaining four passengers inside the cabin were also rescued by Vessel B just before the hull completely turned over.

However, one male passenger in his 60s lost consciousness before recovering and being transported to a hospital.

The Coast Guard confirmed that there were no particular abnormalities with Vessel B's hull or crew, and no marine pollution was detected.

The capsized Vessel A was moved to a nearby port using a tugboat independently arranged by the owners.

The Coast Guard is investigating the exact cause of the accident.

An official from the Tongyeong Coast Guard stated, "The risk of collisions between vessels increases during the dark early morning hours," adding, "Please strictly observe basic safety rules, such as keeping a close eye on the movements of surrounding vessels while navigating and paying special attention to the approach of other ships even while fishing."

(Photo provided by Tongyeong Coast Guard, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.