Navy officer dies during combat readiness training, police and military investigating

A noncommissioned Navy officer in their 40s died Friday after being found unconscious with a head injury during combat readiness training aboard a naval vessel in the Yellow Sea.

“The service member was discovered unconscious, bleeding from the head, at around 1:36 p.m. during a battle stations drill on a Navy ship operating near Yeonpyeong Island in the Yellow Sea,” the Navy said in a press release.

Emergency treatment was administered at the scene before the service member was airlifted by a military medical transport helicopter to Armed Forces Capital Hospital. The individual was pronounced dead at 4:50 p.m.

According to the Navy, the service member was a master sergeant. They were found unconscious inside a ready-use ammunition storage compartment near the ship's aft gun mount. No signs of a gunshot wound were found, according to the Navy. The vessel was reportedly conducting its own training exercise at the time of the incident.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family,” the Navy said. “A joint investigation by civilian police and military investigators will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.”

BY CHO MUN-GYU [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]