Yeosu Coast Guard Apprehends Fishing Vessel for Illegal Bilge Water Discharge at Gukdong Port

by Song Bohyeon

Published 20 Oct.2025 10:11(KST)

The Yeosu Coast Guard has apprehended a 39-ton fishing vessel for illegally discharging bilge water at sea near Yeosu Gukdong Port after a thorough investigation and pursuit.

The coast guard inspecting vessel A docked at Yeosu Gukdong Port. Provided by Yeosu Coast Guard

According to the coast guard on October 20, a report was received in July regarding a strong smell of oil at sea near Gukdong Port, prompting an on-site investigation. Authorities confirmed that vessel A, which was moored nearby, had used a submersible pump. The coast guard collected samples of the leaked oil and the submersible pump for oil fingerprint analysis.

Although vessel A initially denied the allegations, after the coast guard's analysis and investigation, it was revealed on October 16 that approximately 35 liters of bilge water had been illegally discharged from the engine room using a submersible pump.

Discharging pollutants such as oil into the sea is punishable under the Marine Environment Management Act by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won.

A coast guard official stated, "We will pursue and apprehend those who illegally discharge pollutants to the very end," adding, "We will strengthen monitoring and enforcement in areas vulnerable to marine pollution, including Gukdong Port."