A Chinese fishing vessel capsized in waters near South Korea's Gageo Island early Sunday, leaving two dead and three missing, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred approximately 81 kilometers from the island in international waters, prompting a joint rescue operation between South Korean and Chinese coast guard teams.
According to the South Korean coast guard, the 98-tonne boat overturned around 6:50 a.m. local time. Of the 11 crew members, six were rescued by a nearby Chinese fishing boat and reported to be in stable condition. Two sailors were later found in cardiac arrest by South Korean rescuers and pronounced dead, while three remain unaccounted for.
The Chinese consulate general in Gwangju verified the details to state media, emphasizing ongoing collaboration to locate the missing. Search efforts continue near the accident site, with both nations deploying resources to address the maritime emergency.
This incident highlights the risks faced by fishing crews in Asia's busy waterways and underscores the importance of cross-border cooperation in maritime safety operations.
