A scuba diver in his 50s who went missing off the coast of Uljin in South Korea’s North Gyeongsang province was rescued after dark 12 hours later, after drifting 26km away from the dive-site.
The man had entered the water with six other divers for a recreational boat-dive near Jukbyeon port at 9.20am on 25 April. He was reported missing soon after 10.30 after failing to make it back to the boat, according to Uljin Coast Guard.
The diver later reported having been swept away from the group by strong currents while under water.
The ensuing search and rescue operation involved five Coast Guard boats and an aircraft, a Navy patrol boat, three Gyeongbuk Fire Department, Uljin County and Navy aircraft, seven vessels from a maritime-disaster response team and a fishing-boat.
The man was spotted soon after 10 that night by a passing cement-carrier, so is presumed to have been showing a light. He was picked up by rescuers near Samcheok in Gangwon province some 40 minutes later, suffering from symptoms of hypothermia but described as in a stable condition.
The east-coast Uljin area is moderately popular but mainly with local, experienced divers who explore its rocky seabeds, reefs and kelp forests in relatively clear water.
Average water temperatures are 12-15°C at this time of year and conditions can be unpredictable, with strong lateral currents and sudden weather and sea changes.
The Coast Guard urged caution for recreational divers, emphasising the need to follow basic safety procedures, including use of the buddy system and immediate reporting of emergencies.
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