South Korea records multiple drowning deaths in Gyeongsangbuk‑do waterways

On August 31, a 30‑year‑old man identified only as A fell into a river in Gwangpum‑ri, Onjeong‑myeon, Uljin County, North Gyeongsang Province. He was rescued by companions but was in cardiac arrest and was taken to hospital. Police are investigating the incident, citing deep water, rapid current and the length of time spent underwater as possible factors.

Earlier on August 2, two separate water accidents occurred in Pohang, also in North Gyeongsang Province. An 80‑year‑old female diver (haenyeo) disappeared while harvesting sea urchins off Cheongjin‑ri; she was found in cardiac arrest about 20 minutes later and was hospitalized. In the same morning, two men in their 60s went missing while fishing at the Euncheon Reservoir in Gigu‑ri; they were located about an hour later in cardiac arrest and were pronounced dead after being removed from the water. The Korea Coast Guard, fire services and police deployed dozens of personnel for the searches. Authorities are examining the causes of both incidents and have reminded the public of water‑safety precautions.