South Korean authorities have initiated an investigation into a ferry that ran aground near Mokpo, arresting the first officer and an Indonesian crew member for suspected gross negligence. The incident occurred as the 26,546-tonne vessel, carrying 267 passengers, approached Mokpo from Jeju Island. The coast guard suspects the crew delayed overriding the autopilot, which may have led the ship to collide with an uninhabited island in a busy navigational area.
Fortunately, all individuals on board were rescued, and while several required medical attention, none faced life-threatening injuries. The ferry sustained minor damage, with its hull showing signs of crumpling and scratches, as it was towed back to port. This incident has drawn parallels to the tragic 2014 Sewol ferry disaster, which resulted in over 300 fatalities, many of whom were schoolchildren.
The coast guard has noted inconsistencies in the crew’s testimonies. Initial reports indicated the first officer was distracted, watching news on his phone at the time of the grounding. Investigators will examine the crew’s phones, navigation data, and vessel traffic control records to assess the situation further.
Navigating through the narrow channels near Mokpo typically requires manual steering, as the area is surrounded by small islands. Officials confirmed that the crew members were not under the influence of alcohol, raising questions about their decision-making during the incident.
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