Fear, Relief, and Swift Action: All 246 Passengers Rescued as South Korean Ferry Runs Aground
Panic and uncertainty gave way to relief on Wednesday evening as 246 passengers aboard the Queen Jenuvia 2 ferry were safely rescued after the vessel ran aground on a reef off South Korea’s south-east coast.
The 26,000-tonne ferry, en route from Jeju Island to the port city of Mokpo, struck rocks near the uninhabited Jogdo Island in Sinan County. Authorities confirmed the ferry is stuck but stable, with no immediate risk of capsizing or sinking. Five passengers sustained minor injuries from the impact, but there were no fatalities.
Passengers described moments of fear and confusion as the ferry shuddered violently on the reef. “We heard a loud crunch and felt the ship stop suddenly. People were screaming, and children were crying,” said one passenger, who asked not to be named. Another recalled, “We couldn’t help thinking about the Sewol ferry disaster. But the crew and rescuers were calm, which kept everyone from panicking further.”
Some crew members remain on board assisting the Coast Guard with stabilizing the vessel. Officials plan to move the ferry ashore at high tide, while authorities continue investigating the cause of the grounding.
South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok immediately mobilized all available vessels to aid in the rescue. “There is currently no flooding. Passengers are being transferred to patrol boats and taken to safety,” a Coast Guard official told Chosun Ilbo.
The incident comes near the site of the 2014 Sewol ferry tragedy, which claimed more than 300 lives, mostly schoolchildren. The proximity of the grounding has reignited public awareness of maritime safety protocols and the importance of rapid response measures.
Passengers and local communities praised the efficiency and professionalism of the Coast Guard. Many noted that the swift action prevented what could have been another catastrophic event in waters that remain etched in the national memory.
For the rescued passengers, the ordeal was a mix of fear, gratitude, and reflection. Families on board were reunited at Mokpo, and emergency services provided medical attention and psychological support.
The Queen Jenuvia 2 incident highlights the delicate balance of maritime travel safety, the effectiveness of coordinated rescue operations, and the lingering shadow of past disasters that continue to shape South Korea’s approach to passenger ferry management.
