The Korean-flag passenger ferry Queen Jenuvia II ran aground off the southwestern tip of the Korean Peninsula on the evening of 19 November while sailing from Jeju Island to Mokpo. Authorities reported no oil spill and no life-threatening injuries.
The incident occurred at around 20:15 local time, when the vessel struck a rocky outcrop near the uninhabited island of Chokdo in Sinan County. The impact caused the engines to shut down and the vessel to develop a list of more than 15 degrees to port.
The Korea Coast Guard declared an emergency and dispatched 10 patrol boats to evacuate those on board. The first rescue vessels arrived within about 20 minutes, and the full evacuation of passengers was completed by around 23:15. The master, crew, and key service personnel remained on board.
A total of 27 passengers were taken to hospital with minor injuries, including headaches and back pain. No serious injuries were reported.
Preliminary cause: human error
According to the Coast Guard’s preliminary investigation, the watch officer became distracted by his mobile phone while transiting a hazardous area. Investigators say the vessel was left on cruise control in a zone that required manual steering, causing the crew to miss the critical moment to alter course and avoid the rocks.
Following the grounding, divers were deployed to inspect the hull for damage. Authorities are assessing the possibility of refloating the vessel during peak high tide at around 01:00 on 20 November.
About the Queen Jenuvia II
Queen Jenuvia II is a modern Korean-flag cruise ferry built in 2021. Key particulars:
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Length: 170 m
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Beam: 26 m
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Passenger capacity: up to 1,010 passengers
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Cargo capacity: approximately 3,500 tonnes
The incident has once again raised concerns over navigational safety in congested and constrained waters, as well as the risks posed by distractions on the bridge during critical phases of a voyage.
