(2nd LD) Car ferry capsizes off southwestern coast; 2 rescued, 5 missing

▲ Coast Guard officials conduct a nighttime search in waters off Seosan, about 100 kilometers southwest of Seoul, on Dec. 30, 2024, after a car ferry capsized, leaving two rescued and five missing, in this photo provided by a reader. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

▲ Coast Guard officials conduct a nighttime search in waters off Seosan, about 100 kilometers southwest of Seoul, on Dec. 30, 2024, after a car ferry capsized leaving two rescued and five missing, in this photo provided by the Taean Coast Guard. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

(2nd LD) vessel-capsizing

(2nd LD) Car ferry capsizes off southwestern coast; 2 rescued, 5 missing

(ATTN: ADDS statement from acting president's office in last two paras; CHANGES photo)

SEOSAN, South Korea, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- An 83-ton car ferry capsized off the southwestern coast Monday, leaving two rescued and five others missing, the Coast Guard said.

The vessel, presumed to be carrying seven people, capsized at 6:35 p.m. in waters west of Seosan, about 100 kilometers southwest of Seoul, according to the Coast Guard and fire authorities.

Coast Guard officials rescued two passengers and are currently searching for five others.

Rescue crews were conducting a search near the accident site, but strong currents from the high tide are complicating the operation, authorities said.

The Coast Guard is investigating the exact circumstances of the accident.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok called on officials to make every effort to help with the search and rescue operations.

"The Coast Guard and related agencies should mobilize every available resource and personnel, and ensure safety for the rescue workers, considering the strong currents in the area and that the search is taking place at night," his office quoted him as saying.

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