Rescue workers conduct a joint search operation along Namwon Stream in Punggi-eup, Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, for a man in his 70s who was swept away by a strong current. [North Gyeongsang Province Fire Service]
Rescue workers conduct a joint search operation along Namwon Stream in Punggi-eup, Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, for a man in his 70s who was swept away by a strong current. [North Gyeongsang Province Fire Service]

A joint search operation is now in its sixth day along Namwon Stream in Punggi-eup, Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, where a man in his 70s was swept away by a strong current.

The North Gyeongsang Province Fire Service said Tuesday that search teams resumed the operation at 7 a.m., deploying specialized rescue personnel including special rescue units and rescue teams.

A total of 245 people were mobilized Tuesday, including 116 firefighters, 40 volunteer firefighters, 54 police officers, 27 military personnel, 4 Yeongju city officials and 4 public health center workers.

The search also employed nine drones operated by fire, police and military units, one recovery vehicle, two fire department search dogs and three helicopters — two from the fire department and one from police.

Specialized rescue personnel are leading a detailed ground search of the accident site and surrounding riverbanks, while helicopters and drones conduct parallel aerial searches.

The man went missing Thursday after being swept away by a strong current in Namwon Stream in Seongnae-ri, Punggi-eup, Yeongju, at around 10:01 a.m.


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