Coast Guard Sends Vessel Officials Involved in Cheongboho Capsizing Accident to Prosecutors

Cause of Cheongboho Abalone Death: 'Seawater Inflow Due to Overloading'

The Investigation Headquarters for the Cheongboho Capsizing Accident (Head of Investigation Headquarters: Choi Kyung-geun) announced on the 7th that the cause of the capsizing accident of the 'Cheongboho,' which resulted in 9 deaths and missing persons, was the loss of stability due to seawater entering the engine room through the deck.

Exterior view of Mokpo Maritime Police Station building
Photo by Mokpo Maritime Police

The Coast Guard operated an investigation headquarters following the Cheongboho accident and conducted an investigation for about two months immediately after the accident to determine the cause.

Based on the testimonies of the rescued Cheongboho crew members and the forensic results from the joint forensic team (West Sea Regional Coast Guard Science Investigation Division, National Forensic Service, Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority), the Investigation Headquarters confirmed that the cause of the Cheongboho capsizing accident was that overloading shifted the ship's center of gravity to the upper part of the hull, and seawater entered while the hull was unstable and tilted, causing the ship to capsize. This was ultimately confirmed as an accident due to safety negligence.

A Coast Guard official stated, "Regarding the issues raised by the investigation results, we plan to consult with related agencies and revise laws and regulations to prevent such accidents from recurring." He added, "We will continue to strictly crack down on overloaded vessels."

The Investigation Headquarters completed a comprehensive investigation based on the forensic results and related parties of Cheongboho and referred the case to the prosecution, applying charges including professional negligence resulting in death against the Cheongboho vessel officials (without detention).

Meanwhile, among the total 12 crew members aboard the Cheongboho during the capsizing accident, 3 were rescued, 5 died, and 4 remain missing (2 Korean nationals and 2 Vietnamese nationals) as of now.

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