[2020 National Audit] Minister Moon Seong-hyeok: "Will conduct internal investigation on duty shifts and CCTV regarding missing public official in Yeonpyeongdo"

At the Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, and Fisheries Committee's Audit on the 8th

Comprehensive Inspection of Working Environment to Develop Improvement Measures
Revising Regulations Related to Patrol Vessel CCTV, Replacing and Expanding Old CCTV Systems Also to be Promoted

Moon Sung-hyuk, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries. (File photo)

[Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] On the 8th, Moon Sung-hyuk, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, stated, "We will conduct an internal investigation regarding the duty shifts and CCTV related to the fatal accident involving a public official from the West Sea Fisheries Management Unit."

Minister Moon appeared at the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee hearing and said, "We will conduct a comprehensive inspection of the working conditions and safety equipment of the fisheries patrol vessels to improve any deficiencies, and actively cooperate with the Coast Guard's investigation and search efforts."

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to verify and inspect the appropriateness of Mr. A's absence from duty, duty shift changes, and duty log entries, as well as re-examine related matters such as the cause of malfunction and appropriateness of measures taken for the two CCTVs installed at the bow and stern, and the monitoring system. Through this, they intend to revise regulations related to patrol vessel CCTV and promote the replacement and expansion of outdated CCTV systems.

He said, "As the minister, I cannot help but feel deeply saddened by the fatal accident involving our West Sea Fisheries Management Unit staff," adding, "We will thoroughly take necessary follow-up measures including organizational and personnel management based on the investigation results."

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Coast Guard are conducting search operations for Mr. A, a public official from the Ministry who went missing near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea and was reportedly shot by North Korean forces. As of 9 a.m. on the 7th, 34 vessels and 7 aircraft have been deployed.

The Ministry plans to accelerate structural improvements in the core marine and fisheries industries and foster future innovative industries in response to the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Minister Moon explained, "We will continue to provide emergency management funds and ship financing to shipping and port companies struggling due to COVID-19," and added, "Along with structural improvements in marine and fisheries industries, we will promote digital transformation through the establishment of smart logistics centers, expansion of blockchain-based platforms, and development of next-generation aquaculture technologies, as well as initiate green transformation of marine and fisheries industries through the transition to eco-friendly vessels and the establishment of marine ecological corridors."

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