Early Sunday morning, a 98-tonne Chinese fishing boat overturned in waters off Gageo Island, about 420 kilometres southwest of Seoul, leaving two crew members dead and three missing.
The South Korean coast guard received an alert at 6:50 a.m. local time reporting the vessel, roughly 81 kilometres from Gageo Island, had capsized in international waters. Response teams arrived alongside a Chinese coast guard vessel to begin search-and-rescue operations.
Of the 11 sailors on board, six were saved by a nearby Chinese fishing vessel and showed no major injuries. Coast guard teams pulled two more crew members from cardiac arrest, but they later succumbed. Efforts continue to locate the final three missing sailors amid challenging currents and weather conditions.
This incident highlights the risks faced by fishing communities across shared seas and the importance of cross-border collaboration in maritime safety. Authorities from both sides are reviewing protocols to prevent future tragedies.
As investigations proceed, families await news of their loved ones. The event is a stark reminder of the balance between livelihood and danger for those who make their living on the world’s oceans.
Reference(s):
2 dead, 3 missing after Chinese fishing boat capsizes off South Korea
cgtn.com
