A South Korean passenger ferry that ran aground has been safely towed to port, with all 267 passengers and crew rescued, as authorities investigate a possible navigational error. The incident, which occurred late Wednesday when the vessel struck a rocky islet off the southwestern tip of the Korean peninsula, brought back memories of the 2014 ferry disaster that claimed over 300 lives.
Coast guard officials confirmed that no lives were at risk and the ferry showed no signs of leaking. Authorities are now examining whether the ship failed to change course in time while navigating the narrow channels near the shore. Chae Jae-gon of the Mokpo coast guard noted that vessels in this area are usually steered manually due to the tight passages surrounded by small islands.
“The route requires careful navigation because it is a narrow coastal area,” Chae said. Officials also confirmed that the crew were not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
The 26,546-tonne ferry sustained apparent damage to the bottom of its hull, as seen in video footage and photographs circulated by local media.
