Intensive Search for Missing Crew in Busan Fishing Boat Sinking Ends After Three Days

Transition to "Patrol-Concurrent Search" System

The Korea Coast Guard has concluded its intensive search operation, which involved deploying multiple helicopters and patrol vessels, in connection with the sinking of a fishing boat off the coast of Songjeong, Busan.

Crew members aboard the sinking ship being rescued in Busan. Photo by Yonhap News

The Ulsan Coast Guard announced that, as of sunset at 6:21 p.m. on September 21, the third day since the accident, it had completed the intensive search for one missing Indonesian national and has transitioned to a "patrol-concurrent search" system.

The patrol-concurrent search refers to a method in which Coast Guard patrol vessels or routine patrol ships continue their regular patrols while simultaneously conducting search operations.

On this day, the Coast Guard mobilized six vessels, three helicopters, and one airplane to search an area measuring 27.8 kilometers both in length and width around the accident site. However, no trace of the missing person was found.

Previously, at approximately 11:52 a.m. on September 19, a 79-ton class Busan-registered bottom trawler, referred to as vessel A, sank 61.6 kilometers east of Songjeong, Busan. The fishing boat, which had departed from Busan South Port at 11:04 p.m. the previous day, was operating with a crew of eight-three Koreans and five Indonesians-when it sank.

Seven people, including three Koreans and four Indonesians, were rescued by nearby fishing boats. However, the Korean captain in his 60s was found in cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital. One Indonesian crew member remains missing.

The Coast Guard is investigating the exact cause of the accident, based on crew statements that the vessel capsized while changing direction as they were hauling in the net.

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