On the 11th, a Korean coast guard rescued a Chinese citizen trapped on a sandbank near Incheon city, but the coast guard tragically lost his life during the rescue. On the 12th, the Chinese Embassy in South Korea extended condolences to the deceased and offered sympathies to his family.
According to Yonhap News Agency, in the early hours of the 11th, a Chinese man in his 70s became stranded by the rising tide while collecting shellfish near Yeongheung-myeon. Chief Officer Lee Jae-seok gave his own life jacket to the man during the rescue, and assisted him in swimming back to shore, but was himself swept away and went missing.
The Korean Coast Guard stated that at the time of the incident, the Chinese man had already been rescued by a coast guard helicopter and was sent to the hospital, where he is currently in stable condition and not in life-threatening danger.
When Lee Jae-seok was later found, he showed no signs of life. Despite emergency medical efforts, he was unfortunately declared dead at only 34 years old.
Chong Hongnuo, Minister-Counsellor and Consul General of the Chinese Embassy in South Korea, stated that the Korean coast guard risked his own life at a critical moment to save another, demonstrating noble professional conduct and humanitarian spirit. This is also a testament to the genuine friendship between the peoples of China and South Korea. The Chinese side expresses deep condolences to the fallen officer and pays the highest respect.