Death toll rises in South Korea boat collision

By Alex Jensen

SEOUL (AA) – The captain of a chartered fishing boat that collided with a tanker off South Korea’s west coast was confirmed Tuesday as the tragedy’s 14th victim.

Two days after the incident, the Coast Guard said the deceased was identified by his son after being found on a mudflat, according to local news agency Yonhap.

Rescue ships have been joined by the military in scouring the area near Incheon where the collision took place early Sunday.

An additional member of the fishing excursion remains unaccounted for while seven people survived the collision.

Investigators are questioning the captain and a crew member of the 336-ton tanker that clashed with the 10-ton fishing vessel. They face charges of professional negligence resulting in death.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has demanded improved safety measures as the incident has highlighted concerns about the safety of recreational maritime tours.

The nation remains particularly sensitive to public safety issues in the wake of the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster that claimed more than 300 lives off the country’s southwestern coastline.