Tragedy has struck the shores of South Korea, where fishermen are increasingly falling victim to perilous sea conditions. Hong Suk-hui, a boat owner from Jeju Island, recounts the devastating news of his vessel capsizing due to unexpected whirlpools and powerful waves, resulting in the loss of five crew members. This incident highlights a terrifying trend: last year saw a 75% surge in deaths and disappearances at sea, with most fatalities occurring among fishermen.
Fishermen like Mr. Hong are convinced that the culprit is climate change, noting the year-round increase in windy conditions and sudden whirlwinds. An official government inquiry confirmed these fears, identifying climate change as a primary cause for the heightened danger, alongside issues like an aging fishing population, reliance on foreign workers, and insufficient safety training.
The waters surrounding South Korea are warming at more than double the global average, contributing to more intense storms and forcing fish species to migrate. This means fishermen must travel further into riskier territories to make a living. Captain Park Hyung-il, who has fished for anchovies for over 25 years, shares his struggle: his once bountiful catches have dwindled, with jellyfish now outnumbering fish, making his hauls nearly worthless and barely covering fuel costs.
The aging workforce means that many boats rely on migrant workers who may not receive adequate safety training or overcome language barriers with captains, further increasing the risk of accidents. The daughter of one victim, Young-mook, emphasizes that while weather is a factor, boat owners bear ultimate responsibility for assessing risks and ensuring vessel safety, especially as companies are compensated through insurance after a sinking, while families suffer irreplaceable loss.
Authorities are responding by recommending enhanced safety measures, including mandatory life jacket use and better training for foreign crews, alongside improved search and rescue operations and more localized weather updates. Some regions are even exploring solutions like paying fishermen to remove jellyfish or providing loans to encourage retirement, acknowledging the grim future where fish catches are projected to decline significantly by the century’s end if current climate trends persist.
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