5 Missing after South Korean Fishing Boat Sinks

Five crewmembers, three South Koreans and two Indonesians, were reported missing today after a South Korean fishing boat sank in waters off the country’s southeast coast.  The 129-ton boat, Geumyang, sank shortly after 7 a.m. while operating in waters east of Busan.

Apparently 25 people were aboard the fishing boat when it sank, but thankfully the other 20 crew were rescued by other fishing boats nearby.

Three coast guard ships, backed by a helicopter, from South Korea and three coast guard vessels, including a 3,000-ton ship from Japan, were searching the area for the missing crew.  High waves and strong winds hampered the search, the official said, adding that investigations were under way to determine the cause of the accident.  Witnesses have said that the boat appeared to have sunk due to bad weather.

Our expert team of maritime injury lawyers have handled multiple cases involving fishing boat injuries and sinking vessels.  If you have any questions about a maritime personal injury case or a Death on the High Seas claim, please call us today for a free discussion about your case. Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., Accident & Injury Lawyers