Tragedy Off South Korea's Western Coast: Three Sailors Dead, One Missing After Fishing Boat Capsize
A tragic maritime incident unfolded off South Korea's western coast, claiming the lives of three sailors and leaving one still missing after a fishing vessel capsized. The 9.99-ton boat, carrying seven crew members, overturned around 6:20 p.m. Thursday approximately 2.5 kilometers northwest of Cheonripo port in Taean, South Chungcheong Province.
Search and Rescue Efforts Turn Grim
Immediately following the accident, three sailors were successfully rescued. However, the search quickly turned grim as the bodies of three crew members were recovered in the subsequent hours. Early Friday morning, a sailor in his 50s was discovered on Baeklipo Beach at 2:07 a.m. and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Hours later, at 8:02 a.m., another ill-fated sailor, in his 40s, was found near the sunken vessel, becoming the third confirmed fatality.
Intensified Search Underway for Missing Captain
Currently, intensive search operations are underway for the remaining missing person: the ship's captain, also in his 40s. The Taean Coast Guard has mobilized significant resources, including 12 patrol ships, three coastal rescue boats, and four aircraft, to scour the waters and coastline in hopes of locating him. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the local maritime community as the search continues for the final missing crew member.