Tugboat capsizes near Busan’s Oryukdo, two rescued and six missing

A tugboat with eight people aboard overturned off Busan’s Oryukdo, leaving six crew members still missing as rescuers worked in strong currents and high waves.

The 286-ton vessel, identified as Tugboat A, capsized at about 1:29 p.m. on Sept. 2, roughly 9 kilometers southeast of Oryukdo, according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Busan Coast Guard. Two people have been rescued. One is believed to be a South Korean national in their 50s or 60s, while the identity of the other had not been confirmed.

The vessel reportedly carried six South Koreans and two foreign nationals. The coast guard sent 13 vessels, including patrol ships and coastal rescue boats, along with aircraft and the Central Maritime Special Rescue Team. It also requested assistance from naval vessels, government ships and private boats.

President Lee Jae-myung ordered authorities to “use all available resources to rescue people.” Presidential chief spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung said Lee had been briefed on the accident and instructed officials to focus on rescuing those aboard and managing the response. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo also directed the oceans ministry and coast guard to mobilize patrol ships, underwater search teams, equipment and personnel, while asking the Interior Ministry, Defense Ministry and Busan city government to support the operation and protect rescuers given the sea conditions.

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Use all available resources to rescue people.