Mokpo Coast Guard Plays Key Role as 'Sea Guardian' Amid Winter Weather Challenges

Emergency Transfer of Maritime Patients and Urgent Towing of Ships Entangled with Floating Debris

An emergency patient with a burn on the left foot is being transported by the Coast Guard. Photo by Mokpo Coast Guard

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] The Mokpo Coast Guard swiftly responded to emergencies occurring in island areas and at sea amid a storm warning issued for the West Sea on the 29th.

According to Mokpo Coast Guard on the 30th, at around 10:39 a.m. the previous day, a report was received that crew member B (male, in his 40s) of nearshore gillnet fishing vessel A, docked at Hongdo Port, Heuksan-myeon, Sinan-gun, had suffered a burn on his left foot and required transport to a mainland hospital.

The Coast Guard dispatched a patrol vessel, provided first aid to B’s wound on site, and urgently transferred him to Seomang Port in Jindo-gun, handing him over to the 119 emergency medical team at around 4:25 p.m.

Earlier that day, at 3:07 a.m., the Coast Guard received a report that nearshore gillnet fishing vessel C (42 tons, 6 crew members), passing near Sangjodo, Jindo-gun, was having difficulty moving due to debris entangled in its screw. Patrol vessels and coastal rescue boats were dispatched immediately.

To prevent secondary accidents such as collisions, the Coast Guard broadcast navigation safety warnings to vessels passing near the accident site.

They then deployed civilian divers to attempt debris removal, but due to worsening weather conditions including strong currents, wind, and high waves, removing debris from the screw became difficult. As a precaution against possible accidents, vessel C was urgently towed to Seomang Port in Jindo-gun.

A Mokpo Coast Guard official stated, “Despite the adverse weather, we are doing our utmost to protect the lives and property of the public through prompt responses to emergencies.”

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