Navy service member dies after being found unconscious during combat drill in Yellow Sea

SEOUL, June 5 (Yonhap) -- A noncommissioned officer of the Navy died Friday after being found unconscious during a combat readiness drill in waters near an inter-Korean border island in the Yellow Sea, the Navy said.

The unidentified service member was found unconscious and bleeding from the head aboard a naval vessel operating in waters near Yeonpyeong Island, at around 1:35 p.m., according to the Navy.

The service member received emergency treatment at the scene and was transported by a military medical helicopter to the Armed Forces Capital Hospital n Seongnam, south of Seoul, but was pronounced dead at 4:50 p.m.

"We express our condolences to the bereaved family," the Navy said in a statement. "Civilian police and military investigators will conduct a joint investigation to determine the exact cause of death."

Warships take part in a four-day exercise to honor service members killed during military clashes with North Korea in the Yellow Sea and sharpen their combat readiness posture on March 25, 2026, in this file photo provided by the Navy the following day. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)