Deadly Fire Erupts on Two Ships at South Korea Port

A tragic fire at Sinbuk Port in Yeosu, South Korea, left one seafarer dead and two others seriously injured on August 16.

The blaze broke out aboard a 2,692-ton tanker and a 24-ton cargo vessel that were moored side by side at the port, located roughly 360 kilometers from Seoul.

According to officials, the alarm was first raised at 1:04 a.m. when a nearby vessel notified the Coast Guard. Firefighting and rescue teams were dispatched immediately. Authorities have not released the names of the ships involved.

All 14 crew members from the tanker and four from the cargo ship were evacuated. Sadly, the cargo vessel’s captain was found unconscious and later pronounced dead. Two crew members from the tanker suffered severe injuries and are undergoing treatment.

By 7:45 a.m., the fire was brought under control. Officials confirmed the tanker had been carrying 2,500 tons of hazardous chemicals, though it remains unclear whether any leaked during the incident.

The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, and an official investigation is underway.