Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Conducts 'Emergency Safety Inspections' Following Consecutive Fishing Vessel Accidents

Minister Kang Do-hyung "Preemptive Management of Safety Accidents"
Another Fishing Boat Sinking on the 14th Following the 9th
Spring Fishing Boat Safety Operation Guidance Over 6 Days

Amid a series of recent fishing vessel accidents, the government is stepping up efforts to guide safe fishing operations.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on the 14th that from the 15th to the 20th, it will provide guidance on safe fishing operations during the spring season to fishing organizations and the Fisheries Cooperatives Federation. It will also conduct urgent inspections on nearshore fishing vessels and fishing boats to ensure the operation of location transmitters, wearing of life jackets, and compliance with safety regulations.

Earlier, on the 9th, a fishing vessel sank off Yokjido, Tongyeong, Gyeongnam, resulting in 4 deaths and 5 missing persons. Then, around 4 a.m. on the same day, another fishing vessel sank off Tongyeong, causing 3 deaths and 1 missing person. Following these consecutive fishing vessel accidents, the Ministry plans to visit fishermen in areas including Incheon, Busan, Sejong, Gyeongnam, Jeonnam, Chungnam, and Jeju over six days to carry out accident prevention activities.

On the 10th, the Coast Guard searched for an overturned fishing boat off the coast of Yokjido, Tongyeong.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Minister Kang Do-hyung of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries instructed, "Make every effort in rescue and search operations and manage safety accidents proactively through preventive activities to minimize casualties." He added, "Since fishing vessel accidents have a high potential for casualties, we urge fishermen to thoroughly inspect vessel equipment before departure and strictly follow safety rules. The government will also do its best to prevent fishing vessel accidents by strengthening safety management."

Looking at the seasonal distribution of fishing vessel accidents over the past five years, the Ministry noted that although spring has fewer accidents and casualties compared to other seasons, special caution is required during this period as fishing activities are active and the number of fishing boat users increases.

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