The captain of the Ro-Pax ferry Queen Jenuvia II, which ran aground last week in South Korea’s South Jeolla province, has been criticized for his frequent absence from the ship’s bridge. An investigation conducted by the Korea Coast Guard disclosed that he was not present during over 1,000 trips through the narrow waters where the grounding occurred.
The incident took place on November 19, 2024, as the ferry was on its scheduled route from Jeju to Mokpo. It ran aground on an uninhabited island near Jangsan, prompting an extensive review of the captain’s conduct during previous voyages.
The findings raise serious safety concerns regarding the operational protocols followed by the vessel’s crew. The repeated absence of the captain from the bridge in such critical navigation areas underscores the potential risks posed to passengers and the vessel itself.
As investigations continue, there will likely be increased scrutiny on the practices of ferry operators in South Korea, particularly regarding captain responsibilities and the importance of maintaining a presence on the bridge during challenging passages. This situation may prompt discussions on maritime safety regulations to prevent future accidents.
Share it now
