Diver in his 50s dies while working underwater on space-launch vehicle barge off Jeju

[Financial News] A scuba diver in his 50s died while working underwater on a space-launch vehicle barge floating off Marado, near Seogwipo, Jeju.
According to the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Fire Safety Headquarters and the Seogwipo Coast Guard Station, 119 received a report at around 4:32 p.m. on the 10th that a male diver in his 50s, identified as A, had collapsed while working underwater on a barge about 5 km west of Marado.
A was found to have suffered cardiac arrest shortly after climbing aboard the vessel, having finished underwater work to haul up the space-launch vehicle barge’s chain. His colleagues put him on a private recreational craft and rushed him to Gangjeong Port while performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
A arrived at Gangjeong Port at around 4:55 p.m. and was handed over to paramedics waiting there. He was taken to a hospital in downtown Seogwipo while receiving emergency treatment, but never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead at around 5:45 p.m.
The barge where the accident occurred was found to have been put out to sea by military authorities for a space launch vehicle launch. According to the Gangjeong Village Residents’ Association Opposed to the Naval Base and others, the authorities had reportedly planned to test-launch the vehicle off Seogwipo on the 13th.
The Ministry of National Defense said of the accident, “We take it very seriously,” adding, “The Coast Guard and relevant authorities are currently investigating the exact circumstances and cause of the accident, and we will cooperate fully to ensure nothing is overlooked.” It added, “We will closely inspect safety conditions across all related work carried out at sea,” and, “We will do our utmost to strengthen safety measures to prevent similar accidents from happening again.”
The Coast Guard and fire authorities are investigating the exact circumstances of the accident by questioning witnesses, including colleagues.


[email protected] Park Ji-hyun Reporter