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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] South Korean prosecutors have launched a search and seizure operation at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries as part of an investigation into a fatal diving accident that occurred at its Ulsan shipyard late last year.
According to legal sources on April 15, the Ulsan District Prosecutors’ Office sent around 30 prosecutors and investigators to the company’s Ulsan headquarters and Seoul office starting at 9 a.m. to secure evidence.
Authorities are reportedly collecting contracts between the main contractor and subcontractors, as well as documents and digital records related to safety responsibilities. The probe aims to determine whether former executives of HD Hyundai Mipo—now merged into HD Hyundai Heavy Industries—and safety managers violated laws, including occupational negligence resulting in death and the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.
The investigation has expanded from the subcontractor level—where the contractor’s CEO has already been indicted—to the main contractor’s headquarters, raising the possibility of broader accountability in major industrial accidents.
A prosecution official said, “Evidence suggesting potential liability of the main contractor has been identified, prompting the search and seizure. Based on our experience with serious accident cases, we determined that further investigation was necessary.”
The incident occurred on December 30, 2024, near a dock at the Ulsan shipyard, where a 22-year-old diver from subcontractor Korea Marine Industry entered the water alone with a 30-minute air tank during a second dive and was later found in cardiac arrest after approximately four hours.
Prosecutors have been investigating whether key safety protocols were followed, including adherence to the “two-person team” rule, provision of required safety equipment, and the presence of on-site safety supervisors.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
