The Chinese Consulate General in Jeju confirmed that the passengers and crew of the cruise ship that crashed into the sea are Chinese citizens.

SEOUL, April 21 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Consulate General in Jeju confirmed on Thursday that the missing person in the cruise ship accident that occurred on April 20 near Jeju Island, South Korea, is a Chinese citizen. The South Korean Coast Guard is currently conducting a full-scale search and rescue operation.

Xinhua reporters learned from the Chinese Consulate General in Jeju that after the accident, the consulate immediately coordinated with the Jeju Coast Guard. The Jeju Coast Guard has urgently dispatched a patrol vessel to the accident site and stated that it will do its utmost in the search and rescue. The Consulate General will continue to follow up on the relevant developments.

According to South Korean media reports, at approximately 6:46 a.m. local time on April 20, a cruise ship traveling from Jeju Island, South Korea, to China experienced a passenger falling into the sea. One person went missing after falling into the water. The accident occurred in waters 34 kilometers southwest of Marado Island, Seogwipo City. After receiving the report, the South Korean Coast Guard deployed two patrol vessels and other equipment and personnel to conduct a search. Currently, the South Korean Navy and relevant departments in Jeju Province are also assisting in the search and rescue operation. The specific reasons and circumstances surrounding the drowning are still unclear.