South Korea Ferry Runs Aground Off Coast, All 267 Rescued Safely

A ferry carrying 267 passengers and crew ran aground on rocks off South Korea’s south-east coast on Wednesday, prompting a major rescue operation. The vessel, Queen Jenuvia 2, became stuck near the uninhabited island of Jogdo, close to Jangsan Island in Sinan County, while traveling from the popular resort island of Jeju to the port city of Mokpo.

All passengers and crew were safely rescued, and fortunately, there were no fatalities. However, 27 people sustained minor injuries from the impact, mostly bruises and scrapes, according to the South Korean coast guard. The ferry, weighing 26,000 tonnes, has now been brought safely to a nearby port while authorities continue investigations.

The coast guard has made arrests following the incident, as officials are examining whether negligence by the ferry’s captain or the navigating officer played a role in the grounding. A full investigation is ongoing to determine the cause and prevent similar accidents in the future.

Passengers described a terrifying experience as the ferry hit the rocks. Several took to social media to share real-time accounts of the event. One passenger said, “There was a loud bang, and then the ship tilted. An announcement told everyone to put on life jackets, so we did and waited on the top deck.” Another passenger, Kim Namhyun, a diving instructor from Jeju Island, said, “I thought I might die. But having seen the Sewol ferry disaster, I knew staying calm and following safety instructions was essential.”

The area where the ferry ran aground is near the site of the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster, a tragic accident in which more than 300 people, mostly school children, died while on a school trip. The incident remains a painful memory in South Korea, and authorities have since taken stricter safety measures for ferry operations.

The Queen Jenuvia 2 incident highlights ongoing safety challenges in South Korea’s coastal waters. The South Korean coast guard and other authorities are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the grounding, assessing both human and mechanical factors. This includes reviewing navigation practices, crew training, and the ship’s equipment to ensure that future ferry operations remain safe for all passengers.

With ferry travel being a major mode of transportation between South Korea’s islands and mainland, officials are under pressure to strengthen safety regulations. The successful rescue of all 267 people on board Queen Jenuvia 2 demonstrates the effectiveness of emergency response procedures, but the grounding incident also serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of maritime travel near rocky coastal areas.