Coast Guard searches for missing fisherman off Sinan coast

South Korean maritime authorities are continuing their search for a 67-year-old crew member who disappeared at sea off the coast of Sinan. The man was reportedly working on a 15-ton near-shore net fishing vessel when he went missing around 6:37 p.m. on July 16.

The Mokpo Coast Guard, which was renamed from the Mokpo Maritime Safety Office following the government's organizational restructuring, has mobilized significant resources for the search. Seven patrol vessels, one helicopter, and ten civilian fishing boats have been deployed to the area, located five nautical miles southwest of Galdo island in Sinan.

Despite extensive efforts over two days, the missing crew member has not yet been found. Coast Guard officials are investigating the precise details of the incident. Preliminary statements from fellow crew members suggest the man may have fallen overboard while engaged in the process of hauling in fishing nets.

The Mokpo Coast Guard itself is undergoing a transition, having officially changed its name back to Mokpo Maritime Police Station on July 26, symbolizing a new beginning for the agency. This search operation highlights the ongoing maritime safety challenges in the region.