Working Conditions Aboard the Dongbang-Giant-No.2

On October 8, 2025, at approximately 4:45 PM, the Coast Guard Sector Virginia was alerted to a concerning situation involving the bulk carrier 'Dongbang Giant No. 2'. The vessel was reported to be dragging its anchor in the vicinity of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, specifically within five miles of the Cape Charles Anchorage. Responding promptly to the emergency, tugs were dispatched to the site and successfully brought the troubled ship under tow. By 7:50 PM the same day, the 'Dongbang Giant No. 2' was en route to the Newport News Marine Terminal, reaching the location at 2 AM UTC on October 9. As of October 10, the vessel remains securely anchored at the terminal, continuing to be monitored for safety.

On January 14, 2017, Park Chul Hong, the captain of the 'Dongbang Giant 2', was welcomed back to safety by former Sulu governor Abdusakur Tan at Jolo airport in Sulu after enduring a harrowing near three-month ordeal at the hands of the militant group Abu Sayyaf. Following his release, Park returned to Korea on January 15, arriving at Incheon International Airport around 4:30 a.m. Although he was reported to be in stable health, he was scheduled for a comprehensive medical examination to ensure his well-being. Alongside Filipino crew member Glenn Alindajao, Park was freed in the early hours of January 14, thanks to complex negotiations facilitated by members of the Moro National Liberation Front. They were evacuated from the perilous situation by a presidential adviser focused on peace initiatives. The 'Dongbang Giant 2', which was en route from South Korea to Australia, had been boarded by 10 armed Abu Sayyaf militants in October 2016, resulting in the abduction of both Park and Alindajao. Importantly, no ransom was reported to have been paid by the government, although the ship's owners engaged in discussions with the terrorists, who allegedly issued threats regarding the captives. The Korean Foreign Ministry, in collaboration with its Filipino counterpart, played a crucial role in these efforts to secure the safe release of the hostages, ultimately bringing them home after a challenging and dangerous episode.

On October 20, 2016, a group of 20 armed assailants attacked the heavy lift vessel 'Dongbang Giant No.2' in the Celebes Sea, south of Bongao, Tawitawi Island. The ship was making its way from Australia to Masan when it became the target of militants, suspected to be from the notorious Abu Sayyaf organization. During the violent incident, the group successfully kidnapped two crew members: the ship's captain, Park Chul Hing from Korea, and Filipino crewman Glenn Alindajao, hailing from Cebu. Fortunately, other crew members were left unharmed, and one of them managed to alert his family, who promptly notified authorities. In response, Philippine anti-terrorism units and the Philippine Navy were mobilized to the scene. By the afternoon, the 'Dongbang Giant No.2' was found either drifting or anchored south of Bongao, raising urgent concerns over the safety of the kidnapped individuals.