Coast Guard rescues family stranded on island after inflatable boat leaks

A family of three, including a couple in their 40s and their teenage son, were rescued by the Coast Guard after becoming stranded on Yundol Island near Geoje, South Korea. The incident occurred on July 31 around 3:18 p.m. when the family reported being isolated on the island.

The family had traveled from Gujora Beach to Yundol Island in a privately owned, unpowered inflatable boat earlier that afternoon. While enjoying water activities, the boat sustained a puncture, leaving them stranded on the island.

Upon arrival, Coast Guard officers found that the receding tide had made the water too shallow for their rescue vessel to approach the island directly. They coordinated with two nearby personal watercraft operators to conduct the rescue. The family was subsequently transported back to Gujora Beach and confirmed to be in good health.

Park Jun-young, head of the Tongyeong Coast Guard's Maritime Safety Division, urged the public to inspect personal leisure equipment for damage before use and to adhere to basic safety guidelines when engaging in marine activities. Yundol Island is a popular spot for water sports like paddleboarding and snorkeling, located about 1 kilometer from Gujora Beach.

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Personal leisure equipment can lead to safety accidents even with minor damage, so please check for equipment malfunctions before departure and enjoy marine leisure activities while observing basic safety rules.