Map of the sinking location [Provided by the Central Regional Coast Guard]

A report was received regarding the sinking of a vessel suspected to be a Chinese fishing boat near Yeonpyeongdo, at the northern tip of the West Sea. Although the Coast Guard and Navy launched a joint search, no casualties have been confirmed.

According to the Central Regional Coast Guard and the Incheon Coast Guard on the 18th, a report was received at 10:57 a.m. from the Marine Corps Yeonpyeong Unit stating, "A vessel is taking on water north of Yeonpyeongdo, Ongjin-gun, Incheon, and nearby Chinese fishing boats were observed searching for the crew."

In response, the Coast Guard and Navy urgently dispatched three patrol vessels and two high-speed boats to the scene to conduct an intensive search.

The Coast Guard requested cooperation from private vessels through the International Safety Communication Center, the NAVTEX (Navigational Telex) system, and the Gyeongin Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), and also notified the relevant Chinese authorities.

After searching the area and three Chinese fishing vessels temporarily anchored nearby, the Coast Guard reported that no crew members were found on board and no casualties or other unusual findings were identified.

The vessel, which completely sank at 11:07 a.m.—ten minutes after the initial report—is believed to be a wooden Chinese boat measuring 12 to 14 meters in length.

Yang Jong-ta, Chief of the Incheon Coast Guard, stated, "We conducted an intensive search in close cooperation with the Navy, and we now plan to transition to a wider-area search."