This morning while traveling on International waters, a South Korean ship called the Jung Woo 2 caught fire near Antarctica, killing three and burning two others. 37 out of the 40 seamen were rescued in total.
The 167-foot vessel fell into trouble just 370 miles north of the U.S. McMurdo Station Antarctic base when an unknown fire was started in the living quarters of the ship. The flames spread quickly to the engine room and fish processing plant. The fishermen tried to stop it, but it soon fell completely out of control.
During the chaos, twenty-five men were able to get onto a life raft after discovering the other life raft was burned. Twelve men were forced to stay aboard until help arrived, and the three fatalities never made it out.
After a distress call, two other Korean ships, the Hong Jin 707 and Jung Woo 3 (Jung Woo 2’s sister ship) came to the rescue within three hours.
It is unclear how many people were working and how many were sleeping. In Antarctica, there are long daylight hours in the southern summer, which makes it usual for workers to operate in shifts around the clock.
The rescued and injured crew was transferred to a U.S. research vessel. The crew on the Nathaniel B. Palmer will treat their injuries then put the seamen ashore at McMurdo Base for more extensive help and a possible evacuation to New Zealand.
Working as a fisherman is a dangerous job, especially when you are on international waters. It is important that you are taken care of and your company makes the best decisions when it comes to safety.
If you have been injured on International waters, you have rights. Visit our website for free information to answer the questions you may have. For a free consultation, contact our offices toll free: 888-473-1258.
Category: International Maritime Injury Claims
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