Mokpo Coast Guard Rescues All Crew Members from Grounded Vessel off Jindo County Coast

Published 06 Oct.2021 09:14(KST)

Updated 17 Aug.2025 14:17(KST)

No Casualties or Surrounding Marine Pollution Due to Swift Rescue Efforts

On the night of the 5th, ship A ran aground on a reef off the coast of Jindo-gun ⓒ Asia Economy

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] A vessel returning to port after night fishing ran aground on a reef, but all seven crew members were rescued thanks to the Coast Guard's prompt response.

According to Mokpo Coast Guard Station (Chief Im Jae-su) on the 6th, a report was received around 10:20 PM the previous day that the Angangmang fishing vessel A (21 tons, 7 crew members) ran aground on a reef about 550 meters southeast of Gilmado, Jodo-myeon, Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do.

The Coast Guard quickly dispatched available forces including patrol vessels, coastal rescue boats from the local police station, the West Sea Special Rescue Team, and pollution control vessels to the scene.

Upon arrival, the Coast Guard faced difficulties in rescue due to strong currents around the grounded vessel but successfully rescued all seven crew members safely.

Subsequently, rescue personnel boarded vessel A to block the air vent (a hole that releases air to ventilate hydrocarbon vapors) to prevent flooding, sinking, and marine pollution, and installed lift bags (air bags that provide buoyancy to the vessel). Additionally, three pollution control vessels were deployed to the accident area in preparation for any potential marine pollution.

According to Mokpo Coast Guard, vessel A suffered hull damage below the waterline causing flooding in the engine room due to grounding, but no casualties or surrounding marine pollution occurred.

Chief Im Jae-su urged, “During nighttime or early morning hours when visibility is limited, navigation rules must be strictly followed and lookout duties thoroughly performed to prevent marine accidents caused by reefs and other hazards.”

Meanwhile, the accident vessel A is scheduled for salvage operations by a private salvage company upon arrival at the scene, and an accurate investigation into the accident circumstances is underway involving the captain and crew.