Salvage Airbags in Action: The Sewol Shipwreck Recovery in South Korea

Project Background

In 2014, the tragic sinking of the Sewol ferry off the southwest coast of South Korea shocked the nation and the world. With over 300 lives lost, the incident demanded not only answers but also a technically challenging and emotionally sensitive salvage operation. The South Korean government prioritized the full recovery of the vessel to bring closure to the victims’ families and thoroughly investigate the disaster.

Application: Marine Salvage of Sunken Ship

The recovery mission involved complex engineering, including underwater operations in strong currents and poor visibility. One critical component in this task was the use of salvage airbags to assist in lifting and stabilizing the sunken vessel.

Our Solution: High-Buoyancy Salvage Airbags

Our company proudly supplied 12 heavy-duty salvage airbags, each capable of providing 200 tons of buoyant force. Designed for harsh marine conditions, these airbags were crucial in:

• Lifting the submerged hull in a controlled manner
• Preventing sudden shifts or collapses during the lift
• Stabilizing the wreck during towing and transport
• Reducing dependence on large crane barges and minimizing environmental disturbance

Project Highlights

• Client Country: South Korea
• Year Deployed: 2014
• Number of Airbags Supplied: 12 units
• Buoyancy per Airbag: 200 tons
• Application Type: Sunken ship lifting and stabilization
• Challenge: Deep water, unstable seabed, and sensitive handling of a national tragedy
• Outcome: The Sewol ferry was successfully lifted and transported ashore for further investigation

Why Choose Our Salvage Airbags?

Our salvage airbags are trusted by professionals worldwide for their durability, safety, and efficiency. Manufactured using high-strength synthetic-tire-cord layers and vulcanized rubber, they deliver exceptional performance in deep-sea salvage and shipwreck recovery operations.

Looking Ahead

The success of the Sewol ferry salvage demonstrates the vital role that salvage airbags play in maritime emergency response. As underwater recovery challenges grow, our products continue to provide cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally conscious solutions to the global marine industry.

Need a salvage solution?
Contact us to learn how our marine salvage airbags can support your next project.