Two Die After Motorboat Capsizes Off Incheon, Following Busan Accident

Two people died after a 1.6-tonne motorboat overturned near Incheon’s Yeongjong Island, even though nearby fishermen rescued all nine people aboard within 12 minutes.

The Incheon Coast Guard received a report at 7:17 a.m. that the boat was taking on water near Wangsan Marina in Eulwang-dong. The vessel capsized shortly afterward. Five patrol vessels and an aircraft were dispatched, and nearby fishing boats were asked to assist. A fishing boat rescued all nine occupants at 7:29 a.m.

A man in his 40s and another man believed to be in his 70s were taken to hospital in cardiac arrest, with neither consciousness nor breathing. Both later died. The other seven passengers were reported to have no serious health problems. The coast guard believes they had gone to sea for leisure and is investigating the exact circumstances.

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When boarding a vessel or engaging in activities along the coast, you must wear a life jacket.

The accident followed the capsizing of a tugboat off Busan on September 2. Six crew members remained missing after four days of searching. In response to the successive maritime accidents, the Korea Coast Guard designated September 5 to 30 as a special maritime safety management period. It plans to conduct inspections led by commanders and move patrol vessels and rescue equipment closer to areas considered at risk.

Acting Coast Guard Commissioner General Jang In-sik urged people on boats and along the coast to wear life jackets and contact rescue agencies quickly in an emergency.

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If an emergency occurs at sea, please request help from rescue agencies promptly.