Diver Dies During Marine Survey Work Off Yeosu, South Korea
A 32 year old diver has died during underwater marine survey work off Yeosu, South Korea, prompting investigations by the Coast Guard and labor authorities.
The incident occurred on September 8 in waters near Myodo, Yeosu. According to reports citing the Yeosu Coast Guard and South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor, the diver was working for a subcontractor involved in a marine environmental survey commissioned by Korea Western Power.
The Coast Guard received a report at around 11:30 a.m. that the diver had entered the water but had not returned to the surface.
Rescue teams were deployed, and the diver was recovered approximately one hour and 40 minutes later from the seabed at a depth of around 20 metres. He was transported to hospital but was later confirmed dead.
Recovering underwater monitoring equipment
Authorities said the diver had entered the water with another worker to recover current observation equipment that had been installed on the seabed as part of the marine environmental survey.
The exact sequence of events underwater has not yet been established, and authorities have not announced a cause of death.
South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor ordered work connected with the incident to stop and opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatality.
The ministry is also examining whether requirements under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Serious Accidents Punishment Act were followed.
The Yeosu Coast Guard is separately questioning crew members from the survey vessel and examining the diving operation, including the safety measures that were in place.
No further details about what happened during the dive had been officially released at the time of publication.
Developing story: Diventures Magazine will update this article if authorities release further information about the cause of the accident or the findings of the investigation.
Operations and Marketing Manager at Diventures, holds an advanced diver certification and writes outstanding articles for both the website and digital publications. She contributes to every step of the process with her creativity and organizational skills.
