An 83-ton car ferry capsized off the southwestern coast of South Korea on Monday evening, December 30th.
The accident resulted in 2 individuals being rescued while 5 others remain unaccounted for, according to the Korea Coast Guard.
The tragedy occurred at ~6:35 PM (~9:35 AM UTC) in waters west of Seosan, located ~100 km/60 mi southwest of Seoul.
Initial reports indicate the vessel was carrying a total of 7 people at the time of the accident.
The Coast Guard personnel successfully rescued 2 passengers and launched a search operation for the remaining 5. However, rescue efforts are being hindered by strong tidal currents in the area, which have complicated the operation, authorities reported.
An investigation into the cause of the capsizing is currently underway, with Coast Guard officials working to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the incident.