BUAN, South Korea – Four individuals were killed and the remaining 14 crew members suffered minor injuries after a fishing boat capsized off the southwestern coast of South Korea.
According to a new release by Yonhap News Agency, The incident occurred at 5:57 a.m. when the fishing boat overturned in waters off the town of Buan, situated 204 kilometers south of Seoul, following a collision with a tugboat.
Officials reported that the four deceased individuals were found unconscious at the time of their rescue, while the other 14 survivors sustained minor injuries. Five among the survivors have been discharged from the hospital following treatment.
The initial report suggested that the capsizing was caused by a collision with a tugboat. However, local fishermen have posited that the fishing boat may have hit the tugboat’s towline, which was pulling a barge. According to these accounts, the fishing boat likely failed to see the barge approaching from behind, mistaking the tugboat for another fishing vessel.
The exact cause of the incident is currently under investigation by the coast guard.