Chinese fishing boat capsizes in Yellow Sea; Two dead, three missing

A Korea Coast Guard rescue vessel approaches a Chinese fishing boat that capsized in the international waters about 81 kilometers off Gageodo Island in Sinan-gun, South Jeolla Province, on the morning of Nov. 9, 2025. Courtesy of Korea Coast Guard
SEOUL, November 09 (AJP) - A Chinese fishing vessel with 11 crew members aboard capsized in the international waters of the Yellow Sea early Sunday, leaving two crew members dead and three missing, according to the Korea Coast Guard.

The 98-ton vessel overturned at 6:50 a.m. in international waters about 81 kilometers southwest of Gageodo Island in Sinan-gun, South Jeolla Province.

A nearby Chinese fishing boat immediately initiated rescue efforts, saving six of the crew. The KCG arrived shortly after and rescued two additional crew members who were drifting in the sea.

While the six initially rescued showed no major health issues, the two rescued by the KCG were found in cardiac arrest and later confirmed dead. The search continues for the three missing crew members.

KCG divers inspected the capsized vessel but found no external signs of collision.

The KCG said it is working in cooperation with the Chinese coast guard to continue the search and rescue operation in the accident area.
John Na 부국장 njeongju@ajupress.com