Coast Guard Sergeant Lee Jae-seok died while rescuing a stranded citizen from tidal waters near Ggot Island in Incheon early Thursday morning. The 34-year-old officer arrived alone after a private drone company reported the emergency situation. Radio communications reveal Lee requested reinforcements before entering the water alone at 2:42 a.m. His team leader suggested waiting for additional personnel but took no action when Lee decided to proceed. Lee gave his life jacket to the victim who survived the incident.
Officers discovered Lee's body at 9:41 a.m. after seventeen minutes of radio silence during the rescue operation. Coast Guard regulations mandate two officers for patrol operations except under exceptional circumstances. Four of six personnel remained on break at the station while Lee handled the emergency call alone. The Korea Coast Guard announced the formation of a fact-finding committee with six outside experts to investigate protocol violations and staffing decisions that night.
Officers discovered Lee's body at 9:41 a.m. after seventeen minutes of radio silence during the rescue operation. Coast Guard regulations mandate two officers for patrol operations except under exceptional circumstances. Four of six personnel remained on break at the station while Lee handled the emergency call alone. The Korea Coast Guard announced the formation of a fact-finding committee with six outside experts to investigate protocol violations and staffing decisions that night.
