Past "May night fishing, top accident cause was ‘body‑temperature drop’" In the article we highlighted one fact: spring night seawater is cold enough to cloud a person’s judgment. This piece is a follow‑up. Even the same night fishing accidents that occur on rocky shore and accidents that occur on boat have different occurrence mechanisms. Yet the analysis leaves only one conclusion.
01Rocky shore: ‘Fall’ accounts for 80% of accidents
According to the Korea Coast Guard “Marine Accident Statistics Yearbook”, the largest share of fishing accidents occurring at coastal facilities such as rocky shore and breakwaters is fall (drop). The proportion rises at night. The reason is simple.
- Limited visibility: A headlamp beam only illuminates straight ahead. The area within 1 m of the feet remains in shadow.
- Algae·seaweed: Rocks near the high‑tide line are always slippery.
- Wave swell: Even when it looks calm, a large swell arrives every 30–40 seconds.
Tracking adjudication cases from the Central Marine Safety Tribunal shows that most rocky‑shore fall victims "when pulling in the fish" slipped. Their gaze fixed on the surface, one hand on the rod, the other on the net. With no means to regain balance, a single swell can be fatal.
02Boat: ‘Loss of balance’ and ‘Impaired consciousness’ are key
Night boat‑fishing accidents differ in pattern. According to Korea Coast Guard statistics, falls on boats occur less frequently than on rocky shore, but the mortality rate is higher. The causes condense into three factors.
Especially on night boats "no one immediately realizes they have fallen overboard" is common. Engine noise, dark water surface, scattered visibility. On rocky shore, companions hear a scream and react, whereas on a boat, a crew member may be missing for 30 seconds to a minute before others notice the empty spot.
03Why the two environments converge at a single point
The causes differ The variable that determines the outcome is the same Do.
The Korea Coast Guard states in its annual accident analysis that not wearing a life jacket is a decisive factor in drowning deaths It repeatedly emphasizes this. The USCG reaches the same conclusion. According to USCG data from 2022, about 85% of drowning victims in boat accidents were not wearing a life jacket.
Whether on rocky shore or on a boat, the occurrence of accidents cannot be eliminated. However, the probability that an accident results in death changes dramatically with just one life jacket and a whistle.
04Pre‑trip inspection checklist (night common)
- Buoyancy ≥ 7.5 kg Automatic/manual hybrid life jacket
- Whistle + glow stick(attached to the jacket)
- Headlamp + spare battery, red/green filter
- Waterproof phone case, power bank
- ID card·emergency contacts(card‑type inside jacket pocket)
- Share trip details with family and acquaintances in advance(location·expected return time)
- Check the KMA marine forecast for the fishing area— reconsider the trip if wind ≥ 10 m/s or wave height ≥ 1.5 m
Additional rocky‑shore inspection
- Check risk separately 4 hours before and after high tide (isolation risk)
- Scout both entry and exit routes with a headlamp in advance
- Avoid solo trips
Additional on‑boat checks
- No alcohol before boarding (captain may refuse departure)
- In areas without railings, always secure a hold with one hand
- Do not remove the life jacket even when moving to the restroom or changing bait
Causes differ. What determines the outcome is the same. Ahead of the June trips, let's check once more.