South Korean media reported that on the morning of February 9, a fishing vessel capsized off the southern coast, resulting in four deaths and five missing persons, including a Vietnamese national.

On the evening of February 10, responding to VietNamNet’s inquiry regarding citizen protection efforts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a South Korean fishing boat carrying 14 crew members capsized 20 nautical miles east of Goemun, Yeosu City, Jeollanam Province, in the early hours of February 9.

Among those on board were three Vietnamese nationals - two of whom have been rescued and are receiving medical treatment at a hospital, while one remains missing.

Upon receiving the information, the Vietnamese Embassy in South Korea immediately coordinated with local authorities to gather details.

The ambassador instructed the Labor Management Board to work with the dispatching company and relevant agencies to identify the affected crew members, notify their families, and guide them through necessary procedures. The two rescued crew members are now in stable condition and have contacted their families.

Following the directive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnamese Embassy in South Korea is closely coordinating with local authorities to monitor the search and rescue operation for the missing Vietnamese citizen.

They are also prepared to provide necessary support and protection to ensure the full legal rights and interests of the affected individuals.

The fishing vessel had 14 crew members on board, including eight South Koreans, three Vietnamese, and three Indonesians.

The four confirmed fatalities were all South Korean nationals, including the 66-year-old captain. Five individuals, including one Vietnamese, remain missing.

South Korean authorities have deployed 24 patrol ships, four naval vessels, 13 aircraft, and several civilian ships to search for the missing persons. The sunken ship has been located at a depth of approximately 80 meters.

Preliminary findings suggest that the vessel sharply tilted to the left before capsizing. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Tran Thuong