Prime Minister Han Seong-sook Issues Urgent Directive to Prioritize Rescue of Lives in Jeju Fishing Boat Capsizing

On October 5, following the capsizing of a fishing vessel near Chagwido, Jeju, Prime Minister Han Sung-sook issued an emergency directive, making the rescue of human life the top priority and instructing that all available resources be fully mobilized.

Prime Minister Han Sung-sook is delivering closing remarks at the '2026 READY Korea Wildfire Suppression Integrated Training' held on the 2nd at Chilgokbo Ecological Park in Chilgok County, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, upon being briefed on the situation, Prime Minister Han ordered, "The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Coast Guard must mobilize all available equipment and personnel, including patrol vessels and underwater search and rescue teams, to prioritize the rescue of human lives." She also emphasized, "Do your utmost to determine the number of missing persons through an accurate count of those aboard."

Furthermore, she requested, "The Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Ministry of National Defense, and Jeju Province should actively support the rescue operation by providing personnel and equipment that can be deployed at sea, ensuring that field rescue activities proceed smoothly." She added, "Given the local maritime weather conditions, please take every precaution to ensure the safety of the rescue crew."

According to the Jeju Coast Guard, at 3:04 a.m. on the same day, a 29-ton coastal longline fishing vessel registered in Sacheon, Gyeongsangnam-do, with 11 people on board, capsized approximately 65 kilometers northwest of Chagwido, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju City. Nine people were rescued, while the captain and one crew member remain missing. The rescued crew members complained of hypothermia, but it was confirmed there were no major health issues. Captain B, a 58-year-old Korean national, and one Indonesian crew member have not yet been located.

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