Defense chief vows to probe Navy sailor's death during East Sea drill

Battleships from the Korea Navy's Second Fleet conduct an anti-ship live-fire drill in the East Sea on Wednesday. [YONHAP]

Defense Minister Shin Won-sik vowed Thursday to carry out a probe into the death of a Navy sailor during a maritime exercise this week and come up with measures to prevent such an accident from happening again.

On Wednesday, the Navy noncommissioned officer died after falling overboard from a patrol boat during a live-fire exercise in the East Sea.

"Through a probe by relevant authorities, (we) will identify the accident's cause and come up with measures to ensure that such an unfortunate accident does not occur again," Shin wrote on his Facebook page.

He expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family and noted the military will conduct follow-up measures regarding the accident with the "utmost respect" to remember the service member's dedication to his country.

The sailor had been rushed to the hospital after being rescued but was pronounced dead.

Yonhap