Wando Coast Guard Catches 16 Fishing Boats Departing During High Seas Warning

Wando Maritime Police Station announced on the 20th that it had detected 16 fishing vessels that set sail despite a high seas warning being in effect.

According to the Wando Maritime Police, on the 18th, a high seas warning was issued for the southern coast, with strong winds reaching up to 20 m/s and high waves ranging from 1.5m to 4m, creating extremely poor weather conditions. Nevertheless, it was confirmed that fishing vessels departed to harvest gim (seaweed).

Wando Coast Guard Station apprehended 16 fishing vessels that set sail despite the issuance of a storm warning. Photo by Wando Coast Guard Station

According to the “Act on the Safety Operation of Fishing Vessels and the Promotion of Safety and Health of Fishing Vessel Crew,” fishing vessels under 30 tons in total tonnage are prohibited from departing or operating when a high seas warning is issued between November 1 and March 31 of the following year. Violations result in warnings for the first and second offenses, and administrative actions such as cancellation of fishing permits for the third offense.

A Wando Maritime Police official emphasized, “Setting sail in defiance of weather advisories poses a significant risk of accidents and loss of life,” adding, “We will continue to strengthen maritime patrols and conduct ongoing guidance activities to ensure that those engaged in fishing operations comply with safety regulations.”

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