The number of people who died or went missing due to maritime accidents last year was 164, a 74.5% increase compared to 2023 (94 people). The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries introduced safety management measures for fishing vessels in May of last year, but the loss of life has increased.
According to the Central Maritime Safety Tribunal on the 24th, maritime accidents last year totaled 3,255, an increase of 163 cases (5.3%) compared to 2023 (3,092 cases).
The number of casualties from maritime accidents last year was also 164, an increase of 70 compared to the previous year. Accidents due to falls at sea and other safety incidents (84 people; 51.2%) accounted for more than half, and capsizing and sinking accidents (58 people; 35%) also occurred frequently.
Casualties primarily occurred on fishing vessels (118 people; 72%). Casualties from other ships totaled 40 people (24%), while incidents involving recreational equipment resulted in 6 people (4%).
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries noted, "Many casualties have occurred among those working on fishing and general vessels, so we are strengthening safety management by supporting life jackets for vulnerable vessels and cracking down on overloading and illegal modifications."
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is implementing the safety management measures for fishing vessels established last May to reduce fishing vessel accidents. Key elements include a pre-announcement system before storm warnings and operations of safety supervisors for crew members.
In February of this year, a joint effort with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety led to the establishment of additional measures analyzing causes of maritime vessel (fishing vessel) accidents and preventing casualties. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries stated, "When an accident occurs at sea, it is difficult to recognize and respond immediately, unlike on land, and we believe that once the system is settled, we can reduce casualties."
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has been operating a "Casualty Reduction Task Force" since January, led by the Minister as Director General. Special safety inspections for fishing vessels, general vessels, and passenger vessels are being conducted until the end of this month.