▲ Coast Guard officials conduct a nighttime search in waters off Seosan, about 100 kilometers southwest of Seoul, on Dec. 30, 2024, after a car ferry capsized, leaving two rescued and five missing, in this photo provided by a reader. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

(LEAD) vessel-capsizing

(LEAD) Car ferry capsizes off southwestern coast; 2 rescued, 5 missing

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SEOSAN, South Korea, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- An 83-ton car ferry capsized off the southwestern coast Monday, leaving two rescued and five others missing, the Coast Guard said.

The vessel, presumed to be carrying seven people, capsized at 6:35 p.m. in waters west of Seosan, about 100 kilometers southwest of Seoul, according to the Coast Guard and fire authorities.

Coast Guard officials rescued two passengers and are currently searching for five others.

Rescue crews were conducting a search near the accident site, but strong currents from the high tide are complicating the operation, authorities said.

The Coast Guard is investigating the exact circumstances of the accident.

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