Hangang Bus Stopped Near Jamsil Due to Suspected Route Deviation... Operations Limited to Magok?Yeouido for Now

"Deviation from Route Led to Vessel Getting Stuck in Shallow Water," Authorities Say
Accident Occurred Outside Dredged Section Completed in August
Route Inspections Underway... No Service from Oksu to Jamsil for Now

The cause of the sudden stoppage of the Hangang Bus, which was operating near the Jamsil Ferry Terminal, has been identified as a "deviation from the navigation route." The city plans to operate the Hangang Bus only on the Magok~Yeouido section for the time being in order to inspect the navigation route upstream of Hannam Bridge, including the Jamsil area.

On November 16, the Seoul Metropolitan Government explained in a written briefing, "The direct cause of this accident was the vessel becoming stuck in a shallow water area after deviating from the designated route, while the indirect cause is presumed to be insufficient brightness of the right-side navigation lights in the shallow water section." This conclusion was reached after a comprehensive review of the captain's accident report, onboard CCTV footage, water depth measurement data from the Hangang Headquarters, and dredging records by the city and the operator, Hangang Bus Co., Ltd.

Yonhap News Agency

At 8:25 p.m. on the previous day, Hangang Bus No. 102, bound for Jamsil, came to a sudden halt 118 meters from the Jamsil Ferry Terminal, resulting in the rescue of 82 passengers. The vessel remains at the accident site.

The city previously conducted dredging work in the area near the Jamsil Ferry Terminal in August to ensure a water depth of at least 2.8 meters. The area near the Jamsil Ferry Terminal requires special caution during operation due to its shallow depth and the presence of obstacles such as gas pipeline protection structures. This accident occurred outside the dredged area. Due to insufficient brightness of the navigation lights at night, the deviation from the route went unnoticed, causing the vessel to run aground in an undredged shallow water section.

The city added, "We expect the exact cause of the accident to be determined through additional investigations by relevant agencies such as the Korea Maritime Safety Tribunal, the local police station, and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety."

For the time being, the Hangang Bus will operate only on the Magok~Yeouido section south of Hannam Bridge. The Apgujeong, Oksu, Ttukseom, and Jamsil ferry terminals will remain out of service until the inspection of the navigation route upstream of Hannam Bridge is completed. Previously, on November 11 and 15, there were also incidents near the Ttukseom Ferry Terminal where the Hangang Bus came into contact with ropes and other foreign objects.

The city stated, "We plan to strengthen safety measures, including underwater inspections of the navigation route upstream of Hannam Bridge, checking for sediment accumulation in shallow water sections, removing floating debris and foreign objects, and enhancing training for captains and crew."

Dredging area and stoppage accident site near Jamsil Ferry Terminal on the Hangang Bus line. Provided by Seoul City

The vessel that remains stopped will be moved when the tide reaches its peak at 7 p.m. on November 19. Depending on the water level, the vessel will either move under its own power or be towed.

On the same day, Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon stated on Facebook, "I apologize for the anxiety and inconvenience caused to passengers by the Hangang Bus stoppage accident," adding, "As the supervisory authority, we will thoroughly determine the cause and swiftly address any shortcomings."

Mayor Oh also emphasized, "However, it is not desirable to use safety issues as a tool for political attacks. What is needed is a calm assessment and practical improvements. We will manage the Hangang Bus service thoroughly until it is fully integrated into citizens' daily lives by addressing any trial and error."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.