What Crew Members Say About Gas-Petrol

On January 11, 2019, a devastating hit-and-run incident occurred off the southern coast of South Korea, claiming the lives of three individuals and leaving two others unaccounted for. At approximately 5 a.m., the fishing vessel 'Mujeok' (IMO: 977 ts) capsized after colliding with the LPG tanker 'Koeta' approximately 40 miles south of Yokji Island, near Tongyeong in the East China Sea. The unfortunate incident unfolded after the 'Mujeok,' which had departed from Gukdong Fishing Port in Yeosu around 1:20 p.m. the previous day for hairtail fishing, was struck by the tanker. The fishing crew, including Captain Choi and a total of 12 anglers onboard, had been navigating through the waters of South Jeolla province when they were forced to detour into the South Gyeongsang area to avoid high winds. Rescue operations saw nine individuals saved from the water, while the body of the 59-year-old captain was recovered along with another deceased crew member. A third victim was found unconscious and taken to a hospital in Yeosu, where he was later pronounced dead. Following the incident, the 'Koeta,' which was en route from Ulsan to China, was redirected to Tongyeong for a thorough investigation. Authorities confirmed that the Filipino officer at the helm, along with the vessel's master, will undergo interrogation regarding the events leading up to the collision. Meanwhile, the wreckage of the 'Mujeok' has been located, floating bottom up, and is set to be towed to port for further examination. This unfortunate event raises serious concerns over maritime safety and the responsibilities of vessel operators in busy fishing zones.