At least two dead, 12 still missing as fishing boat capsizes off South Korean coast

120-tonne vessel, Geumseong, was en route to catch mackerel sent a distress call on Friday afternoon

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has ordered a full mobilization of resources and personnel in the search for survivors after a fishing boat capsized off the coast of Jeju Island, leaving at least two people dead and 12 others missing, according to coastguard officials.

The 120-tonne vessel, Geumseong, was en route to catch mackerel when it sank around 24 kilometers (15 miles) from the resort island. The ship had departed from Seogwipo port late Thursday, carrying a crew of 16 South Koreans and 11 foreign nationals, two of whom remain unaccounted for, coastguard authorities reported on Friday.

The incident was first reported around 4:30 a.m. Friday, after a distress call was sent from a nearby fishing boat that arrived on the scene to assist. Coastguard officials said the boat began to capsize suddenly as crew members attempted to transfer their catch to another vessel.

In response, President Yoon ordered an immediate deployment of all available rescue assets. The search operation now includes at least 11 vessels and nine aircraft, spanning South Korea’s coastguard, police, fire services, and military, alongside 13 civilian boats.

As the search continues, authorities are working against challenging conditions to locate the missing crew members, with hopes for survivors diminishing as time passes.