Minister Yun Ho-jung of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on the 19th issued an emergency order regarding the fishing vessel distress accident that occurred off the coast of Songjeong in Busan, saying, "Relevant agencies should mobilize all available resources and make every effort to rescue lives."
The Minister said, "Request nearby vessels to assist with the search, and in the process, pay particular attention to ensuring the safety of rescue personnel and support staff."
Earlier, at about 11:52 a.m. that day, a distress call was received from the 79-ton (t) class fishing vessel A, registered in Yeongdo, Busan, which was sailing near Songjeong Port in Busan. The coast guard completed the rescue of 7 out of the 8 people on board—3 of Korean nationality and 4 of Indonesian nationality—consisting of 3 Koreans and 5 Indonesians in total. One Indonesian national is missing. The rescued captain, in his 60s, is reportedly unconscious.