South Korea Ferry Runs Aground, Crew Negligence Suspected in Rescue

Ferry Incident and Rescue

• 🚢 A South Korean passenger ferry ran aground off the southwestern coast on Wednesday, reviving memories of the 2014 SE ferry disaster.
• ✅ All 267 people on board were rescued, with 27 sustaining minor injuries.
• 😨 A passenger described a loud bang that jolted her awake, fearing the worst.

Investigation and Suspected Causes

• 🔍 Investigators are working to determine the cause of the incident.
• ⚠️ Preliminary assessments suggest negligence by the captain or navigating officer.
• ⚙️ A narrow sea channel near the shore requires manual steering, and investigators suspect the crew was late to switch off the autopilot.
• 🚫 Authorities confirmed the crew were not intoxicated at the time.