Two Fishing Vessels Collide Near Hodo, Namhae ... One Woman in Her 40s Suffers Minor Injuries

Collision accident ship near Hodo, Namhae-gun, Gyeongnam. [Photo by Sacheon Coast Guard]

At 1:01 a.m. on June 10, a 4.99-ton coastal gillnet fishing vessel, Vessel A, and a 9.16-ton coastal trap fishing vessel, Vessel B, collided in the waters near Hodo, Namhae County, Gyeongnam.

As a result of the accident, a female crew member in her 40s aboard Vessel B suffered minor injuries, including muscle pain in her leg.

Additionally, a hole approximately 30 centimeters in diameter was found in the fish hold area on the port side deck of Vessel B, and part of the deck worktable was damaged. However, there is no risk of flooding or marine pollution, according to authorities.

At the time of the accident, Vessel A was traveling by autopilot toward port in waters 1.3 nautical miles southwest of Hodo and failed to detect Vessel B, resulting in a collision with the left side of Vessel B.

Both vessels were able to navigate on their own and safely entered Mijo South Port in Namhae.

The Sacheon Coast Guard conducted alcohol tests on both fishing vessel captains, but no abnormalities were reported.

The Coast Guard is currently investigating the exact circumstances of the accident by questioning those involved with the vessels.

Kim Seunghee, chief of the Maritime Security and Rescue Division, emphasized, "The autopilot device is an auxiliary tool for navigation, not a convenience device for safety. Because even a moment of inattentiveness at sea can lead to casualties, we urge that, even when using autopilot, thorough vigilance and awareness of the surroundings be maintained at all times."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.