A noncommissioned officer was injured and died during an operational drill in waters near Yeonpyeong Island in the West Sea on Friday, aboard a Navy vessel.
According to the Navy, the officer was found unconscious and collapsed at about 1:36 p.m. during a combat deployment drill aboard the vessel. The officer reportedly had bleeding in the head area.
The Navy said the officer was given emergency first aid on site and urgently airlifted to the Armed Forces Capital Hospital by a military medical transport helicopter, but was pronounced dead at about 4:50 p.m.
The officer died during the military's own drill, and there was no contact with North Korean forces at the time, the Navy said.
"We extend our deep condolences to the bereaved family, and civilian police and military investigative agencies will conduct a joint investigation to determine the exact cause of death," the Navy said.
