What Happened to the Passenger Ferry with 267 People Aboard off South Korea's Coast?
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Synopsis
A passenger ferry carrying 267 people ran aground off South Korea's southwestern coast, prompting immediate rescue operations. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, although five passengers sustained minor injuries. Learn more about the incident and the response efforts.
Key Takeaways
- 267 people were aboard the ferry.
- The ferry ran aground near Jangsan Island.
- Five passengers were injured, but no fatalities occurred.
- Swift rescue operations were initiated by the Coast Guard.
- President Lee Jae Myung ordered immediate action.
Seoul, Nov 19 (NationPress) A passenger ferry with 267 individuals onboard ran aground off the southwestern coast of South Korea on Wednesday, as reported by the country's Coast Guard.
While five passengers suffered minor injuries, fortunately, there were no fatalities.
The incident occurred around 8:17 PM near Jangsan Island in Sinan County, located 366 kilometers south of Seoul, according to Yonhap News Agency.
The vessel, named Queen Jenuvia, which weighs 26,546 tonnes, was heading to the port city of Mokpo after departing from the tourist destination of Jeju. It was carrying 246 passengers and 21 crew members, as stated by the Coast Guard.
The ferry ran aground on a submerged rock while approaching the waters near Jangsan Island.
Although a hole was discovered in the ship's bow, the Coast Guard confirmed that no flooding has occurred as of now.
In response, the Coast Guard quickly deployed patrol vessels to the scene to ensure the safety of the passengers and is currently assisting in transferring them to a nearby pier.
President Lee Jae Myung has ordered rapid rescue operations following his briefing on the situation during a visit to the United Arab Emirates.
The presidential office reported that Lee instructed relevant authorities to act quickly to mitigate any potential loss of life and to provide real-time updates on the rescue efforts to reassure the public.
Earlier, on November 10, a Chinese fishing boat capsized off the southwestern coast of South Korea, resulting in nine individuals still unaccounted for.
The 99-ton vessel was reported to have overturned approximately 150 kilometers southwest of Eocheong Island at 8:53 AM (local time), as per the Gunsan Coast Guard, following a distress call from the Chinese coast guard.
Out of the 11 people on board, two were rescued by a passing cargo ship, while nine remain missing.
Four patrol vessels and helicopters were dispatched to search for the crew members.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of promptly addressing maritime safety and ensuring that such incidents are managed effectively. The quick response from the Coast Guard and the government showcases a commitment to public safety and transparency during emergencies.
NationPress
19/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the ferry to run aground?
The ferry reportedly grounded on a submerged rock while approaching the waters off Jangsan Island.
Were there any injuries reported?
Yes, five passengers sustained minor injuries, but there were no reported fatalities.
What is the name of the ferry?
The ferry is named Queen Jenuvia.
How many people were on board?
There were 267 people on board, including 246 passengers and 21 crew members.
What actions were taken after the incident?
The Coast Guard dispatched patrol vessels to ensure passenger safety and transferred those aboard to a nearby pier.
