Authorities have launched intensive search operations after a captain in his 70s and a diver went missing in separate incidents off the coasts of Ulsan and Uljin in South Korea’s Gyeongbuk region.
Empty Fishing Boat Found Near Ulsan
Rescue teams located an unmanned fishing vessel approximately 1.8 kilometers from Seoldo island. The boat’s engine was off, with fishing nets scattered inside but no sign of the 70-year-old captain, identified as B. He had departed from Hwamhang port in Ulsan’s Donggu district around 2:27 a.m. for solo fishing operations. A witness reported that about 70 crew members from a related vessel had not entered the water earlier that morning at 8:22 a.m., prompting the initial alert.
Diver Fails to Surface Near Uljin
In a separate event, diver A vanished around 10:33 a.m. near Juchon port in Uljin-gun during an underwater leisure activity. Seven divers, including A, entered the water at 9:50 a.m., but only six resurfaced. Officials confirm the group was conducting routine dives when the incident occurred.
Coast guard vessels, coastal rescue boats, and helicopters are actively deployed in concentrated efforts to locate both individuals. Search operations continue amid challenging sea conditions.
