A Chinese fishing boat capsized off South Korea's southwestern coast on Monday, leaving nine people unaccounted for. Of the 11 aboard, two were rescued by a passing cargo ship, while authorities deployed vessels and helicopters for search efforts. The incident follows a similar accident the previous day.
On Monday at 8:53 a.m., a 99-ton Chinese-flagged fishing boat capsized approximately 150 kilometers southwest of Eocheong Island in Gunsan, South Jeolla Province. The Gunsan Coast Guard reported the incident, citing a distress call from the Chinese coast guard.
The vessel had 11 crew members aboard, two of whom were rescued by a passing cargo ship. The remaining nine are still missing, prompting the deployment of four patrol vessels and helicopters to the site for search operations.
This accident occurred just one day after another Chinese fishing vessel capsized in the same southwestern waters, resulting in two Chinese crew members dead and three others missing. The other six crew were rescued by nearby vessels.
The Gunsan Coast Guard noted that weather conditions are suitable for vessel operations and plans to continue the search. The frequent incidents involving Chinese fishing boats highlight ongoing needs for bilateral fisheries cooperation and safety measures.
