A fishing vessel caught fire off Jeju Island, South Korea, on August 20, forcing both crew members onboard to abandon the vessel and jump into the sea.
The fire was reported at approximately 16:27 local time while the 9.77-ton fishing vessel was operating near Hallim, off the northwestern coast of Jeju. The vessel's name has not been disclosed.
After the fire broke out, the two crew members were unable to bring the blaze under control and were forced to enter the water as the flames continued to spread through the vessel.
Emergency services were alerted, and the Jeju Coast Guard dispatched patrol vessels and coastal rescue boats to the area. Both crew members were successfully rescued from the water.
One of the rescued crew members was taken to hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation. No fatalities were reported.
Firefighting operations continued after the rescue as authorities attempted to bring the blaze under control. The fishing vessel was severely damaged by the fire, with extensive destruction reported.
The incident occurred approximately 1.8 kilometers northwest of the coast near Hallim, Jeju, in waters of the Korea Strait.
The Jeju Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage to the vessel. Authorities are expected to examine the vessel and interview the crew as part of the investigation.
