Freon gas leaked from a Russian fishing vessel anchored off the coast of Busan, injuring five Russian crew members.

According to the Busan Fire and Disaster Headquarters, Freon refrigerant gas leaked from a 769-ton Russian fishing boat docked at Gamcheon Port in Saha-gu, Busan, at around 8:30 a.m. today (the 15th).

The accident injured five of the 15 crew members aboard the Russian vessel who were inside the refrigerated cargo hold.

Two of the injured were initially in cardiac arrest, but have since recovered spontaneous circulation.

The vessel was anchored for repairs, and authorities believe the accident occurred while the crew members were working on the refrigerant.

Freon gas, commonly used as a refrigerant in refrigerators and air conditioners, has relatively low toxicity, but inhaling it in enclosed spaces can lead to asphyxiation.

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

(Photo provided by Busan Fire and Disaster Headquarters, Yonhap News)