South Korean coast guard authorities on Saturday confirmed the seizure of two Chinese fishing vessels near the border island of Baengnyeong over allegations of illegal fishing within South Korean territorial waters.
According to a report by Yonhap News, the vessels crossed the Northern Limit Line, the maritime boundary separating North and South Korea, before entering approximately three kilometres into South Korean waters on Friday evening.
The Korea Coast Guard said the boats were intercepted about 14.8 kilometres northwest of Baengnyeong Island in the Yellow Sea.
Authorities also disclosed that a Chinese crew member, said to be in his 40s, suffered cardiac arrest during the enforcement operation.
Coast guard officers reportedly administered CPR while transporting the man to a nearby hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.
According to officials, fellow crew members informed investigators that the deceased sailor had consumed a significant quantity of alcohol before collapsing.
South Korean authorities stated that Chinese consular officials had been notified of the incident and added that investigations into the remaining crew members and the circumstances surrounding the alleged illegal fishing operation were ongoing.
