Acting Chief Choi Sang-mok Prioritizes "Top Priority Life Rescue" in Yeosu Fishing Boat Capsizing Accident

by Yoo Jaehoon

Published 09 Feb.2025 09:08(KST)

Emergency Directive Issued on Yeosu Fishing Vessel Capsizing Incident

Choi Sang-mok, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister as well as Minister of Strategy and Finance, on the 9th, regarding the fishing vessel capsizing accident that occurred near Habakdo, Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, said, "Mobilize all available equipment and personnel to prioritize rescuing lives," and added, "Do your best to identify the missing persons through an accurate confirmation of the crew on board."

Yonhap News

Acting President Choi instructed the Minister of the Interior and Safety and the Commissioner of the Korea Coast Guard to mobilize all available equipment and personnel, including patrol vessels and underwater search and rescue teams.

He also urged the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, the Minister of National Defense, and the Governor of Jeollanam-do to actively support personnel and equipment that can be deployed for maritime rescue, and to cooperate to ensure smooth on-site rescue operations. Considering the local maritime weather conditions, he additionally emphasized taking thorough measures to ensure the safety of rescue personnel.

Meanwhile, at around 1:41 a.m. on the same day, a 130-ton large trawl vessel suddenly disappeared about 17 km east of Habakdo, Samsan-myeon, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, according to a report from the fleet of fishing vessels traveling together.