User:Sailingsmooth5/Kukdong-ho Fire

The Kukdong-ho Fire was a maritime incident that occurred on June 17, 1987, off the southeast coast of South Korea. A sightseeing boat, the Kukdong-ho, caught fire and sank near Koje Island, resulting in loss of life.

Incident Details
Reports indicate that the Kukdong-ho, a 24-ton sightseeing vessel, caught fire due to an overheated engine. Despite efforts to control the fire, including attempts to activate fire extinguishers, the situation deteriorated. The incident occurred in mid-afternoon, approximately 200 miles southeast of Seoul.

Casualties and Rescue Efforts
Twenty-five individuals lost their lives in the fire and subsequent sinking of the vessel, with 13 individuals reported missing. Among the survivors, 48 people were rescued, with 30 individuals sustaining injuries and burns.

The rescue operation, conducted by the South Korean authorities and nearby vessels, resulted in the recovery of bodies and the transportation of survivors to hospitals in a nearby port. All passengers aboard the Kukdong-ho were Korean nationals.