Taean: Eight Chinese nationals were apprehended while attempting to enter South Korea illegally by boat, as reported by the Coast Guard. The incident occurred off the country's west coast and was announced by the authorities on Monday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Coast Guard received a report of an unidentified vessel off the west coast at 11:38 p.m. on Sunday. The boat was subsequently captured at approximately 1:43 a.m. the following day, located around 40 kilometers northwest of Gauido Island.

The small leisure boat carrying the eight individuals was towed to a port in Taean County, South Chungcheong Province. During the operation, one passenger jumped into the water but was promptly rescued by the authorities.

The Coast Guard revealed that the group had departed from Weihai in eastern Shandong Province at around 10 a.m. on Sunday. Their intent was to enter South Korea illegally to seek employment opportunities. To avoid detection, they allegedly disguised themselves as anglers, bringing along four fishing rods, food, and water.

The Coast Guard announced plans to seek arrest warrants for the eight individuals on charges of violating the Immigration Control Act.