BUSAN — Four people were injured when Freon gas leaked from a Russian fishing boat docked in Busan's Saha District on the morning of the 15th.
Freon refrigerant gas leaked from inside the 769-ton Russian fishing vessel, which was moored in Gamcheon-dong, 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 after receiving emergency treatment. Two others with injuries were also transported to a hospital for treatment. Fifteen Russian nationals were aboard the vessel.
Freon gas, which is colorless and odorless at room temperature, is used as a refrigerant in appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners. Its toxicity is relatively low, but inhaling the gas while working in an enclosed space can cause asphyxiation.
Firefighters and police, who responded immediately after receiving the report, sent rescue teams to the scene to search for victims while also taking safety measures, including checking for further leaks and measuring the concentration of residual gas.
Police and fire authorities believe the gas escaped during an inspection of the boat's refrigeration equipment or other work inside the vessel, and are investigating the exact circumstances and cause.
