MOF to Respond with Full Force to Reduce Maritime Accidents

 

MOF to strengthen safety management, including the operation of fishing boat safety measures and TF to reduce casualties

 

 

 

 A total of 3,255 maritime accidents were reported in 2024, increasing by 163 cases (5.3%) compared to the previous year (3,092 cases in 2023). The resulting human casualties (deaths and missing persons) stood at 164, increasing by 70 cases (74.5%) compared to the previous year (94 cases in 2023).

 

 

 

 Last year, casualties were primarily caused by safety accidents such as falls overboard (84 persons, 51.2%) and turnover/sinking incidents (58 persons, 35%).

 

  (Reference 1) Casualties in 2024: 118 people on fishing boats (72%), 40 people on vessels other than fishing boats (24%), and 6 people on leisure equipment (4%)(Reference 2) Casualties from maritime accidents on passenger ships: No deaths or missing persons since 2015

 

 In particular, MOF continues to implement the Fishing Boat Safety Management Measures" established in May 2024 to reduce fishing boat accidents.

 

 * As of January 2025, 11 out of 29 sub-tasks have been completed including the advance notice system before the issuance of a strong wind and wave warning and operation of fishermen safety supervisor; 9 sub-tasks requiring legislation have had their schedules adjusted, and 9 are progressing normally.

 

 In February 2025, MOF jointly established the Analysis of the Maritime and Fishing Vessel Accident Causes and Measures to Prevent Casualties jointly with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) and related agencies.

 

 Furthermore, since January, MOF has been operating the Casualty Reduction Task Force (TF), led by the Minister, in cooperation with related organizations. Through the Emergency Vessel Safety Measures (February 14–March 31), special safety inspections have been conducted on fishing vessels, general vessels, and passenger ships.

 

 MOF will work closely with the Korea Coast Guard (KCG), Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA), and National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives (SUHYUP) to reduce maritime casualties by year-end.