'China→Boryeong' in Just 5 Hours...Illegal Entry by Boat with Four Engines

22 Detained in Boryeong on the 3rd
Illegal Entry by Boat at Speeds up to 74 km/h

At the beginning of this month, Chinese nationals who illegally entered Boryeong, Chungnam, were confirmed to have been on a high-speed boat equipped with four engines. It is known that it takes about five hours to reach Boryeong from China using this boat.

On the 19th, the Korea Coast Guard announced that the Chinese Maritime Police had apprehended five additional suspects involved in the illegal entry incident off the coast of Boryeong. Earlier, on the 6th, the Chinese Maritime Police had captured one suspect.

Investigations revealed that the detained Chinese nationals were only involved in the preparation process of illegal entry, such as arranging the vessel to travel from Weihai City on the Shandong Peninsula in China to Korea.

Engine installed on the vessel used for illegal entry in Boryeong, Chungnam. [Image source=Korea Coast Guard]

Subsequently, the Chinese Maritime Police identified a total of eight suspects involved in the incident. Currently, the Maritime Police are tracking two individuals, including the captain who operated the vessel.

The Maritime Police also discovered the vessel used for illegal entry in Weihai City. Although the vessel outwardly resembled a typical fishing boat, various modifications had been applied internally.

The vessel's pilothouse was equipped with navigation equipment such as RADAR, and the stern was fitted with as many as four engines. One of the engines bore bullet holes from warning shots fired by the Coast Guard during the escape attempt.

The vessel with four engines is known to have a top speed of about 40 knots (74 km/h). This speed allows it to reach Boryeong, Chungnam, from Weihai City in approximately 5 to 6 hours.

Meanwhile, on the 3rd at around 1:53 a.m., the Coast Guard arrested and detained 23 Chinese nationals. At the time, they attempted illegal entry by jumping into the sea wearing life jackets and swimming.

The Coast Guard also arrested one Chinese accomplice within Korea and has sent the individual to the prosecution.

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