A major rescue operation unfolded off the coast of South Korea’s Jeju Island on Wednesday after a passenger ferry carrying 267 people ran aground in shallow coastal waters. Authorities confirmed that every passenger and crew member was safely evacuated in an operation involving multiple air and sea assets.
The ferry had been en route from the mainland port of Jeju Island to Mokpo when it encountered trouble at around 8:00 pm . Shortly after reporting that the vessel had become stranded, the crew sent out a distress call that prompted an immediate response from the Korea Coast Guard.
Rescue teams mobilized several patrol vessels, rapid-response boats, and helicopters to reach the stranded ferry. All 267 passengers were removed from the vessel and transferred to emergency transport ships within hours of the incident.
Officials reported that at least 27 individuals suffered minor injuries during the grounding. They were taken to a hospital on Jeju Island for evaluation and treatment. The remaining passengers were escorted to the island to receive assistance and support from local authorities.
Preliminary assessments have not yet revealed what caused the ferry to run aground. Investigators are reviewing navigation data and interviewing crew members to determine whether mechanical issues, human error, or unfavorable sea conditions played a role. The ferry operator stated that it is fully cooperating with the inquiry and has pledged to assist passengers affected by the disruption.
The ferry remains anchored near the site of the incident as maritime officials examine potential environmental impacts and plan the vessel’s recovery. Authorities noted that no fuel leakage or pollution has been detected so far, but monitoring is ongoing.
The incident has renewed attention on marine safety regulations in South Korea, a nation highly dependent on ferry transportation between its mainland and island communities. Officials said additional inspections may be ordered for similar vessels once the investigation concludes.
