South Korean rescue teams are searching for nine missing crew members after a Chinese fishing vessel capsized off the country’s southwestern coast on Monday morning.

According to the Gunsan Coast Guard, the 99-ton Chinese fishing boat overturned at around 8:53 a.m., approximately 150 kilometres southwest of Eocheong Island, located off the port city of Gunsan in North Jeolla Province.

The Coast Guard received a distress call from the Chinese coast guard. Out of the 11 people on board, two were rescued by a nearby cargo ship, while nine remain missing.

The Gunsan Coast Guard has deployed four patrol vessels, including a 3,000-ton class ship, along with helicopters to conduct the search and rescue operations in the area.

Officials reported that strong winds and waves may have contributed to the capsizing, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

The incident occurred a day after another Chinese fishing vessel capsized in international waters roughly 80 kilometres west of Gageo Island in the same region. That accident left two Chinese crew members dead, while three others remain missing. Six were rescued by nearby vessels.

Search operations for the missing crew members from both incidents are continuing, with South Korean authorities coordinating closely with Chinese officials.

References: Yna, Koreatimes