Two in cardiac arrest following refrigerant leak
19th September 2026
SOUTH KOREA: Two people were reported to have suffered cardiac arrests in Busan on Tuesday after inhaling leaking refrigerant.
The incident is said to have occurred during maintenance of the refrigeration equipment onboard a 769-ton Russian fishing vessel anchored in the port at Gamcheon-dong.
In total, four people are reported to have suffered injuries from inhaling the refrigerant, while 11 managed to escape. Of the two in cardiac arrest, one was transported to hospital.
The refrigerant responsible was not identified – fire and police referring to it as “freon”, a generic term still used by some for HFCs. All HFCs are heavier than air which, in the event of a leak, can pool at the deepest part of the ship.
Police and fire authorities are said to be investigating the cause of the accident.
