Oil Tanker Fire off Jawoldo Island in Incheon Leaves 2 Dead

A fire broke out on an oil tanker near Jawoldo Island, Incheon, resulting in the deaths of two crew members.

According to the Incheon Coast Guard Station, at approximately 10:38 p.m. on the previous day, a fire erupted on a 7,000-ton class oil product carrier 7.4 kilometers north of Jawoldo Island, Ongjin County, Incheon.

Of the 18 crew members on board, a man in his 60s, identified as Mr. A, and a man in his 20s, identified as Mr. B, were found in cardiac arrest in the engine room and were transported to Jindu Port on Yeongheungdo Island but ultimately passed away. The remaining 16 crew members were rescued by the Coast Guard and are reported to be in good health.

Among the 18 crew members, including the two deceased, 11 were Korean nationals and 7 were foreigners. The vessel was confirmed to be a Korean-registered ship.

Coast Guard patrol vessels are extinguishing a fire on an oil tanker. Provided by Incheon Coastal Police Station.

Upon receiving the report, the Coast Guard dispatched 24 patrol vessels, 1 aircraft, and 3 vessels from related agencies to respond to the fire. The blaze was completely extinguished at around 4:00 a.m.—5 hours and 22 minutes after it started. The initial source of the fire is presumed to have been the ship’s engine room, and authorities confirmed that the flames did not spread to the oil storage area.

A Coast Guard official stated, "We plan to investigate the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage," and added, "After consultations with the shipping company, we will tow the vessel and handle the cargo on board."

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