Fishing Boat Takes on Water After Hitting Reef Off Ddanseom, Geoje ... All Crew Rescued

A fishing boat lies capsized after running aground on a reef in waters near Ddanseom, Jangmok-myeon, Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province. [Photo courtesy of Changwon Coast Guard]

The crew of a fishing boat that was taking on water after running aground on a reef off Ddanseom, Jangmok-myeon, Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, were rescued by the Coast Guard.

According to the Changwon Coast Guard, a report was received at around 10:03 p.m. on October 30 that a 1-ton-class coastal gillnet fishing boat was taking on water near Kkachiyeo, northwest of Ddanseom in Jangmok-myeon, Geoje.

Changwon Coast Guard officers dispatched to the scene rescued both crew members using a powered rescue board, including the captain, a man in his 60s.

Both crew members were wearing life jackets at the time of the rescue. One crew member sustained minor bruising to the face, but there were no further casualties.

The captain was reportedly not under the influence of alcohol and was not operating the boat at the time of the accident.

The vessel was confirmed to have run aground after hitting a reef while fishing in waters near Hwangpo, Geoje, at around 4:10 p.m. It had departed Doman Port in Jindong-myeon, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon, at around 3:30 p.m. that day.

Part of the hull was damaged, allowing water to enter the boat. However, 90% of the hull was resting on the reef, and authorities determined that there was no further risk of the vessel sinking.

The vessel is expected to be moved to a nearby port with the help of a crane vessel.

Chief Kim Eon-ho said, "We were able to prevent casualties because all the crew members were wearing life jackets," and urged people to "check potential hazards such as reefs in advance when fishing or navigating at sea, and focus on operating vessels safely."

The accident resulted in no major casualties thanks to the crew members' use of life jackets and the Coast Guard's swift rescue. It once again underscored the importance of thoroughly checking routes in advance and following safety rules in coastal waters where reefs are scattered.

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