South Korea: Search for missing 70-year-old man enters fourth day with extensive resources deployed

Search efforts are continuing for a man in his 70s who disappeared after falling into the Namwon Stream in Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea. The joint operation, now in its fourth day, involves a massive mobilization of resources and personnel from various agencies.

As of July 12, the search has resumed with specialized rescue teams deployed from early morning. A total of 440 individuals are participating, including 171 firefighters, 80 volunteer firefighters, 130 police officers, 39 military personnel, 14 from the Yeongju city government, and 6 from the public health center. The operation is equipped with two fire helicopters, 32 drones, two rescue dogs, and three boats, alongside 93 other pieces of equipment.

The rescue authorities are conducting detailed underwater searches using professional divers, while simultaneously employing drones and helicopters for aerial surveillance. The incident occurred on July 9 around 10:01 AM in the Namwon Stream in Seongnae-ri, Punggi-eup. Despite expanding the search area downstream from the Namdae Bridge and Sudogyo Bridge since the accident, the 70-year-old man, identified as Mr. A, has not yet been found. A fire department official stated, "We are concentrating our search on the waterside and underwater areas to find the missing person."

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We are concentrating our search on the waterside and underwater areas to find the missing person.