Ferry Accident in South Korea Linked to Operator’s Phone Distraction

Gross negligence charges filed against crew members

South Korean authorities have filed gross negligence charges against the ferry’s operator and two accompanying officers after the vessel ran aground on Wednesday. The incident occurred while the ship was transporting 267 passengers along the coastal route.

What happened

According to the investigation, the ferry’s captain was engaged in a personal phone call during a critical navigation segment, diverting his attention from the vessel’s course. The lapse allowed the ship to drift off its intended path and strike a submerged reef near the shoreline.

Legal repercussions

The Prosecutor’s Office announced that the three crew members will face charges of gross negligence resulting in a maritime accident. Prosecutors argue that the operator’s distraction constituted a “serious breach of duty” that directly led to the grounding.

Response from officials

“The safety of passengers is paramount, and any disregard for operational protocols will be met with the full force of the law,” said Kim Jae‑ho, a senior official from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. “We are reviewing all ferry operations to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

Impact on passengers

All 267 individuals on board were safely evacuated, though several suffered minor injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The ferry sustained significant hull damage, and authorities have ordered it to remain out of service pending a thorough inspection.

Future safety measures

The incident has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of mobile‑phone usage policies on vessels, as well as enhanced training for crew members on emergency response procedures. The Ministry plans to introduce new regulations aimed at reducing the risk of operator distraction on maritime traffic.