Three people dead after fishing ship capsizes off South Korean island

The ship was carrying 22 people, out of which three people were found by the rescue teams in a state of cardiac arrest

File image: The Korea Coast Guard (KCG) moves a crew member rescued from a capsized fishing boat earlier in December at Gampo Port in Gyeongju, South Korea (EPA)

Three people died after a fishing ship hit a rock and capsized off a southwestern island of South Korea on Saturday, officials said.

The accident occurred near Gageo Island in Sinan, South Jeolla Province, around 10.30am, according to the coast guard.

The ship was carrying 22 people, out of which three people were found by the rescue teams in a state of cardiac arrest, and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Nineteen others were pulled from the water by the coast guard and a nearby vessel. None of the survivors sustained life-threatening injuries, officials said.

The survivors are believed to have jumped into the ocean when the boat appeared to be in danger of capsizing, awaiting rescue.

Authorities initially stated the boat carried 21 people but later clarified the total was 22. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident and the reason for the headcount discrepancy.

The captain of the vessel may face charges of professional negligence resulting in death, the Coast Guard said.

Earlier this week, a car ferry capsized in waters west of Seosan, about 100km southwest of Seoul. Two people were rescued while the body of the captain was found in a state of cardiac arrest.