SEOUL – A tragic incident occurred during a maritime drill in the East Sea on Wednesday, resulting in the death of a South Korean Navy sailor. The Navy's 1st Fleet reported that the sergeant, serving on a fast patrol boat, fell overboard during a live-fire exercise in the afternoon and subsequently died despite efforts to save his life.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the sailor received immediate first aid treatment after being rescued from the water and was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident happened as the sergeant's ankle became entangled in a rope while towing a shooting target.
The Navy has initiated a thorough inquiry into the cause of the accident to prevent future tragedies. This incident occurred separately from the Navy's large-scale maritime drills, which were conducted in commemoration of West Sea Defense Day last Friday. This day honors soldiers who defended the Northern Limit Line and sacrificed their lives in various conflicts from 2002-2010, reflecting the ongoing commitment of South Korean forces to safeguarding their nation's waters.