Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung has ordered an independent investigation into the death of a Coast Guard officer during a rescue mission, following allegations that senior officials attempted to cover up details of the incident, the presidential office said Monday. Lee Jae-suk, a 34-year-old Coast Guard officer, died last week after giving his life jacket to a man in his 70s stranded on a mudflat in Incheon, about 30 kilometers west of Seoul, and being swept away by the tide.

According to Yonhap News Agency, at a press conference, Lee's fellow officers said patrols are required to be carried out in pairs and claimed the tragedy could have been prevented. They also alleged their superiors ordered them not to disclose specifics of the operation.

President Lee received a briefing on the case and questioned whether there had been shortcomings in the initial response or delays in rescue efforts, according to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. "He instructed that the case be thoroughly investigated by an independent body outside the Coast Guard to ensure no injustice is done to the bereaved family or the late officer's colleagues," Kang told reporters.