A tragic fire broke out on two vessels moored in the southern coastal city of Yeosu early Saturday, resulting in one fatality and two injuries. Authorities said the incident involved an oil tanker and a cargo vessel docked side by side.
Rescue Operation and Casualties
The fire was reported at 1:04 a.m. by witnesses on a nearby ship who immediately alerted the Coast Guard. All 18 crewmembers were rescued, but the captain of the smaller vessel was found unconscious and later pronounced dead. Two foreign-born sailors from the larger vessel sustained burn injuries and were transported for medical treatment.
Firefighting Efforts
Firefighting teams worked for more than six hours to bring the blaze under control, finally extinguishing it around 7:45 a.m. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, which remains unknown.
Environmental Concerns
Officials revealed that the tanker was carrying approximately 2,500 tons of toxic chemicals at the time of the accident. As of Saturday morning, it was not confirmed whether any of the chemicals had leaked into surrounding waters, raising concerns over potential environmental hazards.
The Yeosu fire underscores the high risks faced in maritime operations, particularly in ports where multiple vessels are moored close together. While most crewmembers escaped unharmed, the incident claimed one life and left others injured, with investigations ongoing to determine the cause and assess possible environmental impacts.
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Source: The Korea Times
