A 20-ton fishing vessel operating off the coast of Busan sank, with no casualties reported.
According to the Ulsan Coast Guard on Friday, the accident occurred at around 4:46 a.m. when a 20-ton small purse seine fishing vessel, identified as Ship A, collided with a 196-ton transport vessel, Ship B, in waters approximately 31 kilometers southeast of Daebyeon Port in Gijang-gun, Busan.
Upon receiving the distress signal, the Ulsan Coast Guard immediately dispatched Patrol Ship 1503, which was patrolling nearby waters, to the scene. When the patrol ship arrived at 5:18 a.m., the fishing boat — identified as Hwachang No. 27 — had already completely sunk into the sea.
Fortunately, all five crew members aboard evacuated to another vessel operating nearby just before the fishing boat went under. No one fell into the water, and all five rescued crew members were confirmed to be in good health.
However, some of the 2,000 liters of diesel fuel loaded on Ship A leaked into the sea, creating an oil slick measuring 30 meters wide and 5 kilometers long.
"Maritime accidents that occur during early morning hours are more likely to result in major casualties due to poor visibility," an Ulsan Coast Guard official said. "In this case, the rapid transmission of the distress signal and the organic cooperation from the nearby fleet worked together to prevent any loss of life."
The Coast Guard plans to conduct a detailed investigation of the rescued crew members to determine the precise circumstances of the accident and the cause of the vessel's sinking.
