In the early morning hours, a harrowing accident occurred at a pier in Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do, when a refrigerated truck plunged into the sea following a collision between coast guard enforcement personnel and a suspect vehicle attempting to flee an illegal distribution operation of blue crabs during their closed season.

The Gunsan Coast Guard Station received intelligence on July 27, 2026, at approximately 4:05 a.m. regarding illegal distribution of blue crabs during the closed season at the Jangja Island pier in Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do, and immediately launched a thorough undercover investigation. In the early morning darkness, coast guard personnel spotted a fishing vessel of unknown origin quietly docking at Jangja Island pier and clearly observed illegal activity as allegedly illegally caught blue crabs were being transferred to a refrigerated truck modified from a 1-ton truck. Currently, blue crabs are designated as a closed-season species from June 21 to August 20, approximately two months. This measure is intended to protect spawning mother blue crabs and juvenile blue crabs, prevent depletion of fishery resources, and create a sustainable fishing environment. During this period, catching or distributing blue crabs is subject to severe punishment under the Fisheries Resources Management Act.

Once the illegal distribution activity was clearly confirmed, coast guard enforcement personnel approached the suspect vehicle and began broadcast warnings for enforcement purposes. Startled by the sudden appearance of the coast guard, the refrigerated truck driver appeared to make desperate attempts to evade enforcement. The refrigerated truck moved as if trying to get closer to the fishing vessel, but an unfortunate collision occurred with a coast guard vehicle parked on the enforcement ramp at the pier. Following a brief but powerful collision sound, the refrigerated truck lost control and tumbled down from the pier into the sea below, creating an awe-inspiring and shocking moment. The sight of the vehicle plummeting into the sea sent chills through all those present at the scene.

[Photo=Yonhapnews]

Amid the urgent situation of the vehicle plunging into the sea, the Gunsan Coast Guard immediately launched rescue operations without hesitation. Coast guard personnel promptly entered the water and safely rescued the submerged refrigerated truck driver. Fortunately, the driver sustained no life-threatening injuries and was rescued without serious harm. After the driver was rescued, a large crane was mobilized to conduct recovery operations to salvage the refrigerated truck that had sunk to the bottom of the sea. Through this process, the vehicle was completely recovered from the water, and the accident scene was gradually put in order.

The Gunsan Coast Guard is currently conducting intensive investigations into the driver of the refrigerated truck rescued from the sea regarding the source and distribution channels of the illegal blue crabs, as well as the connection with the fishing vessel and the circumstances of illegal fishing and distribution. Additionally, the coast guard plans to expand investigations to include the owner of the fishing vessel involved in illegal fishing and distribution. An official from the Gunsan Coast Guard stated firmly, "We will conduct thorough investigations into the fishing vessel owner and the refrigerated truck driver, and if illegal fishing and distribution are confirmed, we will impose severe punishment in accordance with relevant laws." The coast guard emphasized the importance of fishery resource protection through this enforcement action and added that it will continue to strengthen vigorous enforcement against illegal fishing and distribution activities in the future.