A 20-ton purse seine fishing vessel sank off the coast of Busan after colliding with a 196-ton carrier ship. The incident occurred around 4:46 a.m. on the 7th, approximately 31 kilometers southeast of Daebyeon Port in Gijang-gun. Fortunately, all five crew members aboard the fishing vessel, identified as Hwachang No. 27, were safely evacuated to a nearby vessel just before the boat sank, and no injuries were reported.
The Ulsan Coast Guard responded promptly to the distress signal, dispatching Patrol Ship 1503, which arrived at the scene by 5:18 a.m. Upon arrival, the fishing vessel was already submerged. Despite the successful rescue of the crew, the accident resulted in some environmental concerns, as approximately 2,000 liters of diesel fuel leaked from the fishing vessel, creating an oil slick that measured 30 meters wide and stretched for 5 kilometers.
An official from the Ulsan Coast Guard noted that maritime accidents during early morning hours pose a higher risk due to reduced visibility. They credited the swift distress signal and collaboration with nearby vessels for preventing any loss of life. The Coast Guard plans to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident and the cause of the vessel’s sinking.
