Korean fishing boat sinks in waters off Antarctica

The Korean fishing vessel No. 1 In Sung sank in waters some 2,300 kilometers off New Zealand Monday.

The Korean Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry said, “The exact cause of the sinking will be announced only after a close inspection of rescued crew members, including on First Mate Kim Seok-ki.”

The vessel left Uruguay on Nov. 2 in search of mero and began fishing in waters off Antarctica from Dec. 1. Authorities said the boat went down while moving to another area.

“To preserve marine living resources, the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources grants access to fishing in Antarctic waters only once a year. Fishing was allowed from Dec. 1, meaning that the No. 1 In Sung sank after just a few days of fishing there,” the ministry said.

Four Korean vessels including the In Sung were operating in the area.

The In Sung has casualty and ship accident insurance for crew worth 3 million U.S. dollars. The deceased and missing crew will each receive 190 million won (166,000 dollars), the ministry said.

Lee Cheol-woo, in charge of oceanic affairs at the ministry, said, “We are making every effort to find the missing crew. We will collaborate with the Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry and the Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs Ministry and inspect old vessels to prevent further accidents.”

alwaysj@donga.com