A heartbreaking incident occurred off the coast of Incheon, South Korea. 34-year-old Coast Guard Sergeant Lee Jae-seok sacrificed his life while rescuing a 70-year-old Chinese man.
The incident occurred at around 2am on Thursday, 11 September. Lee arrived at the scene alone after receiving a report that a man was trapped in the tidal zone near Kkot Island in Ongjin County.
Solo rescue mission and last message
According to the radio log, Lee sent his first message at 2:16am—the old man was unable to move. At 2:42am, he said that the tide was rising and that help might be needed, but he decided to go into the water himself.
In a later message, Lee said that he had put his life jacket on the Chinese man to keep him afloat. After that, contact was lost. No help had been sent for about 30 minutes. At 9:41am, Lee’s body was found near Gogot Island, and the Chinese man was alive.
Violations and delayed rescue operation
According to Coast Guard regulations, at least two officers must be on patrol or rescue missions together. But four of the six officers on duty that day were on break. So, Lee took part in the operation alone.
This negligence is now the focus of an investigation. The Korea Coast Guard has already formed an investigation committee with six outside experts to uncover the reasons for the mismanagement and delays behind the accident.
National mourning and questionable policies
After the incident went viral, a shadow of mourning fell on social media. Countless people paid tribute to Lee, calling him a “real hero.”
Some tried to relate it to the Korean film story. While some others said that he saved the lives of others with his own life, such courage is rare.
But many have questioned the rescue protocols and training—if Lee had stayed in his life jacket and waited for help, both men might have survived.
Tribute to a hero
Markedly, Lee Jae-seok was posthumously awarded the ‘Okjo Gunjong Medal’ by the South Korean government in recognition of his immense courage and sacrifice. His sacrifice has caused a deep stir not only in Korea but also in China.
Lee Jae-seok’s death is both deeply mourned and a monument to selfless devotion to duty, which will remain a source of inspiration for future generations.
Watch the video here.
More from Wake Up Singapore.
70-Year-Old Man Dies in Toilet in China, Family Seeks S$38K Compensation
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