South Korea reports nearly 75 per cent increase in maritime accident deaths and disappearances in 2024

Data provided earlier this week by the Government of South Korea revealed that more than 160 people died or went missing as a result of maritime accidents in South Korean waters in 2024, local news outlet Yonhap reports.

Around 3,255 incidents involving vessel of all types occurred in South Korea in 2024. Although the number of incidents increased by only 5.3 per cent from 2023, the total of fatalities and missing persons climbed 74.5 per cent compared to the previous year.

Approximately 700 accidents have been classified by the government as "major" and include collisions, capsizings, and sinkings. Of these cases, collisions accounted for more than 34 per cent.

Other accidents that have been identified include safety-related cases (26.2 per cent) and fires and explosions (19.8 per cent).

Kang Do-hyung, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, has pledged to enforce stricter safety measures to reduce the risk of maritime accidents.

Some private sector groups have already taken steps to address the safety issues that have led to many major accidents. Last month, the Korea Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives launched a two-week campaign aimed at increasing public awareness on maritime accidents, especially those involving local fishing vessels.

The campaign included visits at more than 20 ports throughout the country to enable the committee to share information with as many fishers and other stakeholders as possible.