By Manisha Sahu | America News World | November 10, 2025
A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway off South Korea’s southwestern coast after a Chinese fishing boat capsized early Monday, leaving nine of its eleven crew members missing. The tragic incident has drawn the attention of both South Korean and Chinese authorities, as rescue teams battle difficult maritime conditions in hopes of finding survivors.
According to the South Korean Coast Guard, the vessel capsized around 150 kilometers (93 miles) southwest of the port city of Gunsan, located along the Yellow Sea. Two crew members were successfully rescued by a nearby commercial ship shortly after the accident, while the remaining nine individuals are still unaccounted for.
The search effort involves four patrol vessels, two helicopters, and a fixed-wing aircraft, all dispatched by South Korean authorities to scour the area where the boat went down. Despite intensive efforts, rescue teams have so far found no significant debris, though a layer of fuel slick—believed to have leaked from the sunken vessel—was detected near the presumed accident site.
Possible Cause and Nature of the Fishing Operation
Officials say that the fishing boat, which was registered in China, may have been targeting croaker and hairtail, two popular species often caught in the waters between China and the Korean Peninsula.
Kim Yeong-cheol, a senior official from the Gunsan Coast Guard office, confirmed that the crew was likely operating legally in South Korean waters under a fishing permit agreement. However, the precise cause of the capsizing remains unknown.
“Initial reports suggest there was no severe weather in the area at the time,” Kim told local reporters. “We are investigating whether strong currents, overloading, or mechanical issues contributed to the vessel overturning.”
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the boat was struck by rough swells caused by a passing cargo vessel or that it may have suffered structural failure while hauling fishing nets.
Chinese Authorities React
The Chinese Consulate General in Gwangju, a major city near the southwestern coast of South Korea, confirmed that there were 11 crew members on board at the time of the accident. Two have been rescued and are reportedly in stable condition, while the remaining nine are still missing.
China’s state broadcaster CCTV quoted consular officials saying that they are maintaining “close communication” with the South Korean Coast Guard to coordinate rescue operations and provide support to the families of the missing fishermen.
“We urge all relevant agencies to spare no effort in search and rescue operations,” the Chinese consulate said in a statement. “The safety and well-being of our citizens remain the top priority.”
A Series of Maritime Disasters
The tragedy comes just one day after another Chinese fishing boat capsized in international waters near Gageo Island, also off South Korea’s southwestern coast. That separate incident left at least two fishermen dead and three others missing, while six survivors were rescued and are currently being treated in South Korea.
The two accidents, occurring within 48 hours of each other, have raised concerns about maritime safety and communication between the two nations, which share heavily trafficked fishing zones in the Yellow Sea.
Maritime experts note that November is often a dangerous month for fishing vessels operating in these waters, as shifting temperatures and monsoon winds can create unpredictable sea conditions. However, both recent accidents happened under relatively calm weather, leading investigators to focus on other possible causes, such as equipment failure or vessel overloading.
Joint Search and Rescue Efforts
South Korean authorities have expanded the search radius and enlisted the help of several nearby commercial vessels to aid in spotting debris or survivors. The South Korean Navy has also been placed on standby should the Coast Guard request additional support.
As of Monday evening, divers had been unable to locate the wreck, which is believed to have sunk in waters deeper than 70 meters (230 feet). Authorities plan to use sonar equipment and underwater drones to pinpoint the exact location of the boat.
The Coast Guard has also deployed oil containment barriers to prevent the fuel spill from spreading, though officials said the leakage appears minimal and is not expected to pose a major environmental hazard.
Meanwhile, the rescued crew members are providing testimony to help investigators understand the moments leading up to the disaster. According to local media reports, one of the survivors said that the boat “suddenly tilted to one side” before capsizing. He added that most of the crew had been resting in the cabin and had little time to escape.
Safety Concerns and Maritime Tensions
Incidents involving Chinese fishing vessels in or near South Korean waters have long been a point of diplomatic sensitivity. In recent years, both countries have sought to improve coordination on maritime safety, but illegal or unregistered fishing activities have occasionally led to tensions and even violent confrontations.
However, in this case, both Seoul and Beijing have emphasized cooperation and humanitarian coordination. South Korean officials have pledged full transparency in the investigation, and Chinese diplomats have expressed appreciation for the “swift response” of Korean rescue teams.
The South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries issued a statement offering condolences to the victims’ families and vowed to “review maritime safety procedures and strengthen patrol coordination” to prevent similar tragedies.
Global Implications and Human Cost
While fishing remains one of the world’s most dangerous occupations, accidents like this one highlight the ongoing risks faced by thousands of fishermen who venture into international waters daily. According to maritime safety data, hundreds of fishing-related deaths occur annually in East Asia alone, often due to inadequate safety gear, overcrowded vessels, or outdated equipment.
Analysts say that increased competition for dwindling fish stocks has pushed many vessels further offshore and into rougher, more unpredictable waters. The overlapping maritime jurisdictions in the Yellow Sea also complicate rescue efforts and legal accountability when accidents occur.
As the joint rescue operation continues, families of the missing fishermen wait anxiously for updates. Chinese officials said they are working with South Korean authorities to identify the rescued survivors and to make arrangements for repatriation once the search concludes.
Ongoing Search and Outlook
As of late Monday, no additional survivors or bodies had been found, and the search was expected to continue through the night, weather permitting. Authorities are monitoring wind and tide conditions, which could shift debris or survivors away from the initial search zone.
The South Korean Coast Guard said they plan to continue “round-the-clock operations” and will expand aerial patrols at first light on Tuesday.
Both governments have promised to maintain open communication channels until all missing crew members are accounted for.
For now, the waters southwest of Gunsan remain the site of a desperate international rescue effort — one that underscores the perilous nature of maritime work and the fragile balance between human livelihood and oceanic danger.