Suspected Chinese Fishing Boat Sinks North of Yeonpyeong Island... Coast Guard and Navy Launch Search

Completely Submerged Within 10 Minutes of Report
No Crew Members or Casualties Confirmed

A vessel, believed to be a Chinese fishing boat, sank in the northern waters off Yeonpyeong Island in the West Sea, prompting a joint search operation by the Coast Guard and the Navy. So far, no crew members or casualties have been confirmed.

Location of the sunken vessel. Provided by the Central Regional Coast Guard Agency.

According to the Central Regional Coast Guard and the Incheon Coast Guard on July 18, at approximately 10:57 a.m. that day, a report was received from the Yeonpyeong Marine Corps unit stating, "One vessel is flooding, and surrounding Chinese fishing boats are seen searching for the crew members."

The Coast Guard and Navy deployed three patrol vessels and two high-speed boats to the accident site to conduct an intensive search operation. The authorities also notified the Chinese government about the incident and requested search cooperation from civilian vessels.

The vessel in question was completely submerged within 10 minutes of the initial report, at around 11:07 a.m. It is believed to be a Chinese wooden fishing boat, approximately 12 to 14 meters in length.

The Coast Guard searched three Chinese fishing vessels that were temporarily anchored near the accident site but was unable to locate any crew members. No casualties or other notable incidents have been reported.

Yang Jongta, Chief of the Incheon Coast Guard, stated, "We have conducted an intensive search in close cooperation with the Navy," and added, "We plan to expand the operation to a more extensive search going forward."

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