SEOUL: At least five people are missing after a fishing boat capsized off the coast of South Korea, with search and rescue operations underway, local media reported on Monday. Two individuals have been rescued from the incident, which took place in waters west of Seosan, approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Seoul.

According to Anadolu Agency, the vessel, weighing 83 tons and believed to be carrying seven people, overturned under undisclosed circumstances. The South Korean Coast Guard has been deployed to search for the missing individuals, though efforts have been hindered by high tides in the area.

Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the accident, as families and communities await news on the status of the missing passengers. The incident underscores ongoing maritime safety challenges in the region, prompting calls for stricter safety measures on fishing vessels operating in South Korean waters.