Jeju Coast Guard, Urges Caution for Winter Ship Fires

Ship Fire Accidents Lead to Casualties, Pre-Inspection Safety Checks Are Crucial

Jeju Regional Coast Guard Headquarters

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters (Jeju) Reporter Hwang Jeong-pil] The Jeju Regional Maritime Police Agency (Chief Kim Seong-jong) recently urged special caution regarding ship fire accidents as marine accidents involving casualties have increased during the winter season.

According to the Jeju Maritime Police Agency on the 4th, out of a total of 1,387 marine accidents involving vessels in the Jeju waters over the past three years, 477 vessels (34.4%) occurred during the winter season. Among the total 53 deaths or missing persons caused by marine accidents over the three years, 40 (75.4%) died or went missing during the winter season.

The reason for the high number of deaths or missing persons in winter is analyzed to be due to frequent bad weather and reduced survival probability caused by body heat loss in low water temperatures.

Among winter marine accidents, ship fire accidents occurred with 3 vessels in 2017, 4 vessels in 2018, and 7 vessels in 2019, showing an increasing trend each year. In particular, on November 19 last year, a tragic accident occurred when a fire broke out on fishing vessel A, registered in Tongyeong, 41 nautical miles west of Chagwido, resulting in 3 deaths and 9 missing persons.

Additionally, in March and April of this year, when cold temperatures still remained, fishing vessel fire accidents occurred consecutively, causing 6 missing and 2 deaths, continuing the damage to fishermen.

Especially in the case of ship fires, the hull is made of FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic), a flammable material. Once ignited, it emits strong flames and toxic gases, and its flame propagation is very rapid, making it highly likely to lead to casualties.

The main causes of fire were mostly electrical fires caused by short circuits in old wiring, batteries, distribution panels, and poor management of electrical equipment such as winter heating devices. Negligence in inspections and human error, such as careless handling of cigarette butts and cooking facilities, were analyzed as major causes of accidents.

To prevent ship fire accidents, maritime workers themselves must practice safety rules such as protective measures for engine overheating parts, replacing old wiring, checking batteries, careful handling of electric heaters and cooking tools, removing dust from distribution panels, and maintaining indoor no-smoking policies. In case of fire, prompt reporting is the top priority, and before escaping at sea, life jackets must be worn and flotation devices prepared. After escape, staying together increases the chances of survival.

A representative of the Jeju Maritime Police Agency said, “Actively utilizing fire alarm installations conducted by the Fisheries Cooperative, old engine replacement projects supported by local governments, and fishing vessel inspection services will also help prevent accidents,” and added, “We hope maritime workers actively participate in creating a safe sea.”

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