The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) have enhanced security at ports to prevent Yoo Byung-eon, suspected to be the actual owner of the Sewol ferry, from stowing away on ships and escaping abroad.

The JCS said Wednesday that it has increased monitoring and security checkups on suspicious people or vessels, and plans to maintain close cooperation with the prosecution and police should Yoo actually attempt to stow away.

The JCS is known to have ordered Army units guarding the western coast, the Navy’s Second Fleet in Pyeongtaek and Third Fleet in Mokpo to strengthen monitoring of suspicious vessels.