Following a harrowing incident off the southwestern coast of South Korea, all 267 people aboard the ferry Queen Jenuvia 2 were rescued after the vessel ran aground. The story echoes the infamous 2014 Sewol ferry disaster that claimed over 300 lives, igniting renewed public concern over ferry safety.
Details of the Incident
The Queen Jenuvia 2, with a capacity of 1,010 passengers, was making its journey from Jeju Island to Mokpo when it struck a rocky island near Jindo on 19 November 2024. Initial reports indicated a loud bang that startled passengers, sending them into a panic, although the ferry remained upright and stable.
Rescue Operation
- All passengers and crew members were safely evacuated.
- 27 individuals sustained minor injuries; none were in serious danger.
- The rescued were transported to Mokpo for further medical assessment.
Passenger Kim Namhyun recalled the chaotic moment and noted, “I thought I might die… but having seen the Sewol ferry, I knew that in situations like this, you have to stay calm.”
Investigation Underway
In the wake of the grounding, South Korea’s coast guard has launched an investigation, arresting the first officer and an Indonesian crew member for suspected gross negligence. Reports suggest that the crew may have delayed responding to the autopilot, ultimately causing the vessel to miss a critical turn.
According to coast guard officials, “The crew members gave conflicting testimony”. A thorough review of the ferry’s navigation data and the crew’s phone records is part of the ongoing investigation.
Context of Concerns
The Sewol ferry tragedy in 2014 remains deeply etched in South Korean society, where the mishap was a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols. Unlike the Sewol disaster, which involved severe overcrowding and followed a tragic decision to instruct passengers to remain in their cabins, the recent incident thankfully ended without loss of life.
Moving Forward
As the investigation continues, many citizens are calling for stricter safety regulations and better training for ferry crews to prevent another tragedy. The nation watches closely as the authorities seek to ensure that lessons from past mistakes are learned and applied.