BUSAN — Five Russian crew members were taken to hospitals after Freon gas leaked from a Russian fishing boat docked in Busan on the 15th. Two of them were found in cardiac arrest but have since regained breathing.
Freon refrigerant leaked inside the 769-ton Russian fishing vessel, which was moored in Gamcheon-dong in Busan's Saha District, at about 8:37 a.m., according to police and fire authorities.
Two crew members aboard the boat were found in cardiac arrest and were taken to a nearby hospital while receiving emergency treatment. One has regained consciousness and breathing, while the other has recovered breathing only and remains under treatment.
Three others are being treated at hospitals after complaining of symptoms including dizziness. A total of 15 Russian nationals were aboard the vessel.
Freon gas, which is colorless and odorless at room temperature, is used as a refrigerant in refrigerators and air conditioners. Its toxicity is relatively low, but inhaling the gas while working in an enclosed space can cause suffocation.
Fire and police authorities, which responded immediately after being alerted, deployed rescue workers to search for victims and took safety measures including checks for further leaks and measurements of residual gas concentrations.
Police and fire authorities believe the gas leaked during an inspection of the boat's refrigeration equipment or other work inside the vessel, and are investigating the exact circumstances and cause of the accident.
