The Korea Coast Guard is seeking an arrest warrant for the captain of the Queen Jenuvia II following a serious incident last Wednesday, where the passenger ferry ran aground near Shinan County. Out of 267 individuals on board, 30 suffered injuries. The captain, who is in his sixties, is accused of gross negligence and violations of maritime regulations after leaving the wheelhouse unattended in a narrow, perilous channel.
The 26,546-ton ferry, traveling from Jeju to Mokpo, collided with Jok Island around 8:16 p.m. Maritime laws mandate that the captain must maintain direct supervision during critical navigation phases. Reports show that the ferry’s operational protocols demand constant oversight during such navigational challenges. At the time of the grounding, there were 246 passengers and 21 crew members on board. Rescue efforts were swift, occurring within three hours and ten minutes, but victims required medical assistance.
Previously, authorities detained the first officer and helmsman, both in their forties, on similar negligence charges. The first officer revealed he had been distracted by his mobile phone right before the incident, relying on autopilot when they veered off course. He attempted a last-minute correction just seconds before the collision. Preliminary findings indicate no structural or mechanical failures contributed to the grounding. Investigations are ongoing to examine the events leading to this occurrence.
