The Ministry of the Interior and Safety said it held an emergency meeting to strengthen safety management for fishing vessels, chaired by Deputy Minister Lee Han-kyung, on the 17th.
Central ministries, such as the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and the Coast Guard, as well as local governments, attended the meeting.
The attending ministries and local governments discussed measures to enhance safety management by agency to prevent fishing vessel accidents.
So far this year, there have been 5 fishing vessel accidents in the country. These accidents resulted in 29 fatalities or missing persons. Last year, 119 people were reported dead or missing due to fishing vessel accidents, the highest number in 10 years since 2014 (133 people).
In this regard, Deputy Minister Lee noted, "Even looking at the statistics of fishing vessel accidents over the past 10 years, the recent series of accidents has resulted in an unusual number of casualties," adding, "Since the capsizing of a fishing vessel in Chuja Island in 2015, which resulted in 18 casualties, there have been only 3 domestic coastal fishing vessel accidents with over 10 casualties, 2 of which occurred at the end of last year and this year."
He also said, "The government has been implementing various safety measures to prevent fishing vessel accidents, but similar types of accidents continue to occur, so the effectiveness of government measures in the field needs to be further strengthened."
In response, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries decided to enhance safety guidance and inspections for fishermen, such as ensuring compliance with entry and exit regulations during adverse weather, evacuating to safe areas when departing, and supervising and inspecting life jacket usage. Furthermore, the Coast Guard will establish an emergency response system, including forward deployment of Coast Guard vessels and maintaining a 24-hour emergency response readiness.
Local governments will conduct special inspections on the safety equipment status on fishing vessels. Through this, they plan to strengthen guidance to ensure that fishermen comply with essential safety rules, such as wearing life jackets and ensuring that radio equipment is always operational.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety notified coastal local governments of the safety management measures that must be observed when a wave warning is in effect.
Deputy Minister Lee Han-kyung said, "Winter is a time when the risk of fishing vessel accidents is high due to strong winds and waves, and the low water temperature makes it easier for accidents to result in casualties," adding, "We will work to minimize casualties from fishing vessel accidents during the winter by ensuring collaboration among related ministries and agencies to focus on safety management."