Mokpo Coast Guard Launches 'Marine Bridge Suicide Prevention Campaign'

Active Administration to Prevent Jumping Accidents at Mokpo Bridge Marine Bridge

Mokpo Maritime Police Station (Chief Kim Hae-cheol) is conducting the ‘Haesang Bridge Suicide Prevention Campaign’ to prevent casualties caused by suicide attempts at Haesang Bridge.

According to Mokpo Maritime Police on the 22nd, the number of reports related to suicide attempts at Mokpo Bridge over the past three years totaled 102 cases (71 suspected suicides, 26 suicide attempts, 5 deaths), showing a sharp increase since 2020.

A pedestrian prohibition banner is being installed on Mokpo Bridge.
[Photo by Mokpo Maritime Police Station]

Upon receiving a report of a suicide attempt at Haesang Bridge, the maritime police immediately dispatch police substations (coastal rescue boats, patrol cars) and rescue teams (rescue boats) to the scene, and collaborate with related agencies such as land police substations (patrol cars) and 119 ambulance teams (ambulance vehicles) to save precious lives.

Meanwhile, the Bukhang Police Substation, located near Mokpo Bridge, a representative maritime bridge in the jurisdiction, is actively promoting campaigns to prevent accidents along with rescue activities at the forefront of maritime suicide attempts.

As the first step, a banner with the phrase ‘No Walking on Mokpo Bridge, NO WALKING’ was produced and posted at the entrance to Mokpo Bridge to block pedestrian access to the maritime bridge.

Additionally, on the 11th, three local taxi companies were visited to request that drivers refrain from stopping while driving on the maritime bridge with passengers and to distribute related promotional materials.

In particular, magnetic stickers with life-respecting messages were produced and attached to the sides of the substation patrol cars to appeal for accident prevention and participation in life protection through visible promotion throughout the year.

Furthermore, a suicide prevention ‘Life Keeper’ education session was held by inviting a professional instructor from the Mokpo City Mental Health Welfare Center for substation staff to learn appropriate words and actions when responding to suicide attempt scenes and methods to induce giving up extreme choices.

Chief Kwak Han-sang of Bukhang Police Substation said, “We will strengthen patrols of Haesang Bridge during vulnerable times such as weekends and nights to prevent accidents in advance, maintain a constant state of readiness, and do our best to protect the lives of citizens through prompt cooperation with related agencies.”

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