Seosan, South Korea – A tragic maritime accident occurred on December 30, 2024, when the 83-ton ship, "Seohaeho," capsized near Godeo Island in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province. The incident resulted in the loss of one life, with five crew members still missing.
The ship, carrying seven crew members, 24-ton dump truck, and 11-ton cargo crane, was en route to Guodo Port from Udo when it capsized. The South Korean Coast Guard was immediately alerted and launched a search and rescue operation involving multiple vessels, helicopters, and drones. Despite the extensive search efforts, including night operations, five crew members remain unaccounted for.
The provincial government of South Chungcheong has declared a state of emergency and is fully committed to the rescue operation. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has also elevated its crisis response level and established a central disaster response headquarters.
"We are doing everything in our power to locate the missing crew members," said Kim Tae-heum, the governor of South Chungcheong Province. "The safety of our citizens is our top priority."
The two rescued crew members were treated for hypothermia at a local hospital and have since been discharged. The families of the missing are anxiously awaiting news at a temporary shelter set up at Guodo Port.
As the search continues, authorities are also investigating the cause of the accident. Factors such as weather conditions, vessel maintenance, and cargo loading will be examined.
The South Korean government has pledged to provide all necessary support to the victims' families and to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.
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