SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - South Korean rescue workers are currently engaged in efforts to locate nine missing crew members following a serious maritime incident that occurred when a Chinese fishing boat capsized off the southwestern coast of South Korea.

The South Korean Coast Guard reported that two crew members were successfully rescued by a nearby cargo vessel after their fishing boat overturned approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) southwest of Eocheong Island, near the port city of Gunsan. Rescue operations are ongoing, with patrol vessels and aircraft actively searching for the crew members who remain unaccounted for.

This recent capsizing tragedy follows another similar incident that took place just a day earlier. In that earlier accident, another Chinese fishing boat capsized in international waters roughly 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Gageo Island in South Korea's southwestern region. This incident resulted in the unfortunate loss of at least two crew members, while South Korean officials were able to rescue six individuals from that vessel.

As crews continue their search efforts for the three remaining missing crew members from the first capsized boat, the situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding maritime safety, especially involving foreign fishing vessels operating in South Korean waters.

Efforts by the Coast Guard and the associated rescue teams are critical at this time, as they navigate the challenges of search and rescue operations in potentially hazardous ocean conditions. The community, authorities, and families of the missing crew members are anxiously awaiting updates as the rescue operations unfold.

Incidents like these draw attention to the dangers faced by fishing crews operating in international waters and the responsibilities that come with maritime activities. With two incidents occurring in quick succession, authorities may consider revisiting safety regulations and operational protocols for fishing vessels operating in this region.

As authorities continue to search for the nine missing crew members and clarify the details surrounding these incidents, the implications for maritime operations and safety continue to resonate deeply within the affected communities.