Han Jaemyung, a civilian diver who participated in the search and rescue operations following the 2014 Sewol Ferry disaster, has passed away at the age of 49.
According to a report by the Kyunghyang Shinmun on November 3, Han died in an industrial accident at a construction site in Iraq on September 25. Due to local circumstances, his body was repatriated to South Korea only on November 2.
Han, a former marine corps diver, rushed to Pengmok Port in Jindo County, South Jeolla Province, after hearing news of the Sewol Ferry disaster on April 16, 2014. He dedicated nearly two months to search and recovery operations.
Following his involvement in the rescue efforts, Han suffered from decompression sickness, a condition that caused his bones to deteriorate due to poor blood circulation in his shoulders and pelvis. He also grappled with severe trauma. As a result of these health issues, he was forced to abandon his livelihood.
Han had filed a workers' compensation claim with the Korea Coast Guard, but his request was denied on the grounds that the diseases and injuries he sustained were not considered work-related. Among the 25 civilian divers who participated in the Sewol Ferry rescue operations, eight, including Han, developed aseptic necrosis. However, none of them received government-funded medical treatment.
Han's funeral is being held at the Hambaksan Funeral Home in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. The funeral procession will take place at 7:40 AM on November 4.
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