"Storm Warning Issued, but... 43 Illegal Fishing Boats Caught in Large-Scale Crackdown"

by Lee Jungkyung

Published 05 Feb.2025 15:48(KST)

Updated 27 Jul.2025 21:38(KST)

Wando Coast Guard Conducts Special Winter Crackdown

Forty-three aquaculture management vessels were caught operating illegally after forcefully continuing their work in dangerous conditions despite a gale warning being in effect.

The Wando Coast Guard announced on the 5th that, during a special winter maritime safety crackdown on the 4th and 5th, they detected 43 aquaculture management vessels operating illegally while a gale warning was in effect.

Wando Maritime Police Station caught 43 aquaculture management vessels illegally fishing during a storm warning. Photo by Wando Maritime Police Station

According to the current Fishing Vessel Safety Operation Act, fishing vessels under 30 tons are prohibited from departing or operating when a gale warning is issued. However, the vessels caught had departed and continued harvesting seaweed even though a gale warning had been issued for the southern West Sea off Jeonnam at 6 a.m. on the 3rd.

A Coast Guard official stated, "Reckless operations during severe weather can lead to loss of life, so all fishermen must strictly adhere to safety regulations," and emphasized, "We will establish maritime order through strict enforcement of the law against vessels that violate the regulations."