A photo of a fisherman discovering live ammunition on the coast of Yeongjong Island in Incheon on May 29 and capturing it directly. Photo captured from an online community.
Approximately 40 live ammunition shells found on the coast of Yeongjong Island in Incheon are believed to be ammunition for export.
According to the police and other sources on the 2nd, the live ammunition was first discovered on May 29 around 10:13 p.m. near Sammok Port in Jung-gu, Yeongjong Island.
A fisherman first discovered the live ammunition and reported it to the police. Military authorities and the police who responded to the scene searched the surrounding coast.
Initially, 27 live ammunition shells were found, and a total of 42 were confirmed after further searching with metal detectors. Among them, there were 38 caliber handgun rounds and 34 rounds of 5.56mm rifle ammunition. Military authorities collected all the ammunition for investigation of anti-aircraft offenses and military ammunition identification.
Upon investigation, military authorities found that the serial numbers on 34 handgun rounds matched those used for ammunition exported by domestic defense companies. While the serial numbers were not confirmed on the remaining 8 rifle rounds, it was reported that the source is likely the same area as where the handgun rounds were found.
The presence of the live ammunition at an Incheon garrison military base suggests a low possibility of it belonging to our military since no external leakage was confirmed. However, it is still uncertain whether the ammunition was lost during the export process or brought back from abroad.
Most of the live ammunition shells were in their original shape, but it is yet to be confirmed if they are capable of actual firing.
Military authorities concluded that there were no anti-aircraft offenses and handed over all the live ammunition to the Incheon Maritime Police Station on May 31.
A Coast Guard official stated, “We are confirming the source of the live ammunition after receiving it and plan to proceed with investigations, including verifying the manufacturer.”