A passenger ferry ran aground off South Korea's southwestern coast, but all 267 people aboard were safely rescued. The Coast Guard attributes the incident to human error, with the navigator distracted by a mobile phone while the vessel was on autopilot. The ferry has arrived at Mokpo port, and an investigation is underway.
On November 19, 2025, at 8:17 p.m., the 26,546-ton passenger ferry Queen Jenuvia II ran aground on the uninhabited islet of Jok near Jangsan Island off Sinan, South Jeolla Province, while en route from Jeju to Mokpo. The vessel carried 246 passengers and 21 crew members, totaling 267 people, along with 118 vehicles. Half of the hull mounted the land, but no holes or leaks were found.
The Coast Guard deployed 17 patrol ships, four coastal rescue vessels, a plane, and special rescue personnel for the operation. Passengers were evacuated to a nearby port within about three hours, while crew members remained to assist in towing the ferry to Mokpo port, where it arrived at 5:44 a.m. on November 20.
Initial questioning revealed that the navigator was distracted by his mobile phone, leaving the vessel on autopilot during a manual navigation requirement in narrow waters. This caused the ferry to miss its turning point and run aground. The Coast Guard presumes human error by the captain or navigator and plans to investigate using surveillance footage and data recorders. Criminal charges against those responsible are under consideration.
No passengers suffered serious injuries, though some were hospitalized for mild pains or nervous breakdowns from the shock. Early reports mentioned 5 to 27 minor injuries, but all were confirmed non-serious. One passenger posted on social media in real time: "There was a loud bang, and then the ship tilted. An announcement told everyone to put on life jackets, so we're wearing them and waiting on the top deck."
Operator Seaworld has suspended all services pending the investigation and safety inspections. President Lee Jae Myung, briefed during his visit to the United Arab Emirates, ordered swift rescue efforts. "Lee immediately instructed authorities to act swiftly to prevent any loss of life and provide real-time updates to reassure the public," the presidential office said. The accident occurred in calm conditions with 0.5-meter waves, and neither the captain nor navigator was intoxicated.
