All 267 Rescued from Shinan Ferry Grounding... "Three Teenagers Safe"

Kim Daejung Checks the Scene in Jeonnam
"Grateful for the Swift Response of Related Agencies"

Kim Daejung, Superintendent of Education of Jeonnam Province, expressed relief regarding the passenger ferry grounding accident that occurred off the coast of Shinan, stating, "I am truly relieved that all passengers were safely rescued."

On November 20, Kim wrote on his Facebook page, "There were no students from Jeonnam schools on field trips, but it has been confirmed that three teenagers were on board the ferry," emphasizing, "Although their places of residence have not been confirmed, they are all precious children to us."

He particularly stressed the need for trauma prevention and counseling support, saying, "It is important to ensure that the teenagers who experienced the accident do not suffer psychological shock."

Kim Daejung, Former Superintendent of Education of Jeonnam

Kim said, "After a night of worry, we were greeted with a morning of relief," explaining, "When I heard the news that a passenger ferry traveling from Jeju to Mokpo had run aground, I was filled with great concern."

He continued, "After immediately instructing staff to check on the status of students, I went straight to the Coast Guard pier. Every time a passenger stepped off the rescue boat, I breathed a sigh of relief," recalling the situation at the time.

He added, "I am grateful that everyone is safe," and expressed his thanks to the Coast Guard, the National Fire Agency, and other related organizations for their swift rescue operations.

The previous day, at around 8:17 p.m., the passenger ferry 'Queen Zenobia 2,' which had departed from Jeju and was bound for Mokpo, ran aground on an uninhabited island near Jangsan Island, Jangsan-myeon, Shinan County, Jeonnam Province.

At the time of the accident, there were a total of 267 people on board, including 246 passengers and 21 crew members, as well as 118 vehicles loaded onto the ferry.

All passengers were safely evacuated via Coast Guard rescue boats and other means, but those who had to leave their vehicles and cargo behind waited at accommodations provided by the ferry company. The ferry managed to return to Mokpo Samhak Pier under its own power at 5:44 a.m. on November 20, 9 hours and 27 minutes after the accident occurred.

No serious injuries were reported during the rescue process, but 27 passengers who complained of minor pain or nervous exhaustion due to the shock of the grounding were transported to the hospital, most of whom have since been discharged.

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