Russian Sailors Suffer Injuries in Blaze Aboard Cargo Vessel Off South Korean Coast

image Credits: Korea Coast Guard

On March 26, 2025, a fire erupted on the Crystal Asia, a refrigerated cargo ship flying the Russian flag, just off the coast of Busan, South Korea. The vessel was carrying 23 Russian sailors when it experienced an engine failure that led too smoke and flames engulfing parts of the ship.

The Crystal Asia set sail from Busan Port around 7:00 AM local time with ballast onboard. However, as it drifted about five miles (8 km) from shore, crew members spotted smoke billowing from the engine room.

In response to this alarming situation, South Korean authorities sprang into action. The Coast Guard teamed up with Busan Marine Police and the Central Marine Rescue Group to send multiple rescue boats to tackle the growing blaze.

Fortunately, all crew members were evacuated safely; however, six sailors suffered injuries during this chaotic incident. Two of them sustained serious burns and required immediate medical attention at a nearby hospital.

The South Korean Consulate General in Russia later confirmed that while two sailors faced severe injuries, four others had less critical wounds.

Initial inspections by the Coast Guard indicated signs of an explosion within the ship’s interior. Investigators are now looking into whether this fire stemmed from mechanical issues or if an actual explosion occurred.Emergency responders managed to extinguish the flames within about 50 minutes. A tugboat was then dispatched to tow Crystal Asia back to port for further inspection and necessary repairs.

As investigations continue into what caused this dangerous incident at sea, officials remain focused on ensuring safety protocols are reviewed and improved for future maritime operations.Stay tuned for updates as more facts becomes available!