Citizens Dive into Gangneung Sea to Rescue People After 'Knock Knock' on Car Window

Donghae Coast Guard to Award Certificates of Appreciation to Rescuing Citizens

A man in his 50s trapped inside a car that fell into the sea in Gangneung, Gangwon Province was rescued by citizens.

According to the East Sea Coast Guard on the 12th, at around 5:56 a.m., Shim Yong-taek (42, Gangneung), who had come to Simgok Port in Gangneung to go fishing, heard a loud noise nearby and discovered a vehicle that had fallen into the sea.

Vehicle Drowning Victim Rescue Scene

Upon arriving at the accident scene, Shim saw that the vehicle was submerged in water and someone trapped inside was knocking on the window, so he immediately called 119.

Right after the report, Shim tried to rescue the drowning person by grabbing a life buoy nearby, but he could not open the car door due to strong water pressure.

Photo by Yonhap News Agency, Donghae Coast Guard

Hearing about the accident, local fisherman Hong Si-ho (67, captain of Daeyeongho) also boarded his docked fishing boat and headed to the accident site. After confirming the submerged vehicle, Hong used a stick to help Shim, who was in the water attempting the rescue, open the car door and save the drowning person.

Afterwards, the two handed over the man in his 50s to the 119 ambulance team. The drowning victim was transported to a hospital in Gangneung and is reported to be in stable condition.

Shim said, "When I witnessed the accident scene, I only thought about saving the person, so I entered the water without hesitation," adding, "In such a situation, not only me but anyone would have gone into the water to rescue." Hong said, "When I heard about the accident, I ran out thinking I had to help," and added, "I’m relieved that the person trapped in the vehicle is safe."

The East Sea Coast Guard plans to award them certificates of appreciation.

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