General cargo vessel Alfa issued distress signal from the Korea Strait at about 17.00 local time on August 21. Alfa reported a 45 degree list, with part of deck cargo falling overboard. The vessel was drifting some 30nm southeast of Yeosu, Korea, Korean Strait. It had been en route from Nakhodka to China.
Fifteen crew were rescued by Korean Coast Guard, with no injuries reported. The timber which went overboard is now drifting and poses a threat to shipping in the area. ALFA is now reported aground, 54 nm south-south-east from Yeosu, but this is not confirmed.