Past "May night fishing, top accident cause was ‘body‑temperature drop’" In the article we highlighted one fact: spring night seawater is cold enough to cloud a person’s judgment.
This piece is a follow‑up.
Even the same night fishing accidents that occur on rocky shore and accidents that occur on boat have different occurrence mechanisms.
Yet the analysis leaves only one conclusion.
01Rocky shore: ‘Fall’ accounts for most accidents
Fishing accidents at coastal facilities such as rocky shore and breakwaters are commonly dominated by falls (missteps).
Visibility drops at night, and the risk grows with it. The reason is simple.
- Limited visibility: A headlamp beam only illuminates straight ahead. The area within 1 m of the feet remains in shadow.
- Algae·seaweed: Rocks near the high‑tide line are always slippery.
- Wave swell: Even when it looks calm, a large swell can arrive without warning.
Rocky‑shore fall accidents often happen at the moment anglers are "pulling in the fish" and lose their footing.
Their gaze fixed on the surface, one hand on the rod, the other on the net.
With no means to regain balance, a single swell can be fatal.
02Boat: ‘Loss of balance’ and ‘Impaired consciousness’ are key
Night boat‑fishing accidents differ in pattern.
A fall on a boat is not always noticed right away.
The causes condense into three factors.
Especially on night boats "no one immediately realizes they have fallen overboard" is common.
Engine noise, dark water surface, scattered visibility.
On rocky shore, companions hear a scream and react, whereas on a boat, quite a while may pass before others notice the empty spot.
03Why the two environments converge at a single point
The causes differ The variable that determines the outcome is the same Do.
KOMSA statistics show that about 81% of those killed or missing in marine accidents were not wearing a life jacket.
The USCG reaches the same conclusion.
According to USCG data from 2022, about 85% of drowning victims in boat accidents were not wearing a life jacket.
Whether on rocky shore or on a boat, the occurrence of accidents cannot be eliminated. However, the probability that an accident results in death changes dramatically with just one life jacket and a whistle.
04Pre‑trip inspection checklist (night common)
- Buoyancy ≥ 7.5 kg Automatic/manual hybrid life jacket
- Whistle + glow stick(attached to the jacket)
- Headlamp + spare battery, red/green filter
- Waterproof phone case, power bank
- ID card·emergency contacts(card‑type inside jacket pocket)
- Share trip details with family and acquaintances in advance(location·expected return time)
- Check the KMA marine forecast for the fishing area— reconsider the trip if wind ≥ 10 m/s or wave height ≥ 1.5 m
Additional rocky‑shore inspection
- Check risk separately 4 hours before and after high tide (isolation risk)
- Scout both entry and exit routes with a headlamp in advance
- Avoid solo trips
Additional on‑boat checks
- Since July 1, 2026, everyone on the open deck of a fishing vessel must wear a life jacket at all times
- No alcohol before boarding (captain may refuse departure)
- In areas without railings, always secure a hold with one hand
- Do not remove the life jacket even when moving to the restroom or changing bait
Causes differ. What determines the outcome is the same. Ahead of the June trips, let's check once more.