Two Chinese fishing boats seized off Baengnyeong Island for illegal fishing

Two Chinese fishing boats caught illegally fishing in South Korean waters near Baengnyeong Island, the northernmost point of the Yellow Sea, have been apprehended by the Coast Guard.

This seizure serves as a demonstration of our resolve to protect our territorial waters against vessels that have violated the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the Yellow Sea.

During the apprehension, one Chinese crew member was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest. He was transported to a hospital but was later pronounced dead.

The Coast Guard has secured statements from the deceased sailor's fellow crew members, who claim he had consumed a significant amount of alcohol, and is investigating the exact cause of death.

The Coast Guard has notified Chinese consular officials regarding the deceased Chinese sailor and continues to investigate the circumstances of the illegal fishing with the other apprehended crew members.