The Korea Coast Guard has launched a rescue operation after a vessel, suspected to be a Chinese fishing boat, sank in waters approximately 0.5 nautical miles (about 1 kilometer) northeast of Yeonpyeongdo, Incheon.
According to the Central Regional Coast Guard, a report was received from the Marine Corps Yeonpyeong Unit at around 11:00 a.m. today (July 18), stating, "A vessel was observed taking on water north of Yeonpyeongdo, and nearby Chinese fishing boats were seen searching for the crew."
The Coast Guard is coordinating with the military to deploy patrol vessels to the accident site and is working to confirm whether there are any casualties.
A Coast Guard official explained, "The area where the accident occurred is a place where Chinese fishing boats frequently operate. We have confirmed that the vessel is sinking, but we have not yet located any survivors."
(Photo courtesy of Central Regional Coast Guard, Yonhap News)