South Korea Ferry Aground: 267 Rescued as Authorities Probe Possible Navigational Error
Image Source: Internet
A South Korean ferry that ran aground was successfully towed to a port on Thursday after all 267 passengers and crew members on board were rescued. The incident has sparked concerns of a possible navigational error by the crew, which may have contributed to the vessel becoming stranded in a narrow sea channel off the southwestern tip of the Korean peninsula. Investigations are underway to determine whether the ship was unable to change course in time, given the challenging waters and strict navigation rules in the area. According to coast guard officials, ships in this region typically steer manually, without relying on autopilot. Fortunately, no lives were in danger during the incident, and the vessel did not leak any water. However, video footage and photographs indicate that the ferry sustained damage to its hull. The incident has brought back memories of the 2014 ferry disaster that claimed over 300 lives, but this time, the crew's swift response and the authorities' quick rescue efforts ensured a successful outcome. The 26,546-tonne ferry, which was towed to a nearby port, will undergo a thorough investigation to identify the cause of the incident and to prevent similar accidents in the future.
