Mokpo Coast Guard Expands Investigation into Queen Zenobia 2 Grounding

Arrest Warrant Requested for Captain on Charges of Gross Negligence Resulting in Injury
Full-Scale Investigation Launched into Mokpo VTS Controller

The 26,000-ton class passenger ship Queen Zenobia 2 docked at Samhak Pier in Mokpo City, Jeollanam-do. Provided by Mokpo Coast Guard

The Coast Guard, which is investigating the major passenger ship grounding accident that occurred off the coast of Sinan, Jeollanam-do, has moved to secure the custody of the captain following the first mate and helmsman. The investigation into possible negligence by Mokpo VTS is also gaining momentum.

On November 23, the Mokpo Coast Guard applied for an arrest warrant for Captain A of the passenger ship Queen Zenobia 2 on charges of gross negligence resulting in injury and violation of the Seafarers Act.

After summoning and questioning seven crew members of the passenger ship as witnesses, the Coast Guard reportedly confirmed that Captain A had not entered the wheelhouse even once while passing through the accident area more than 1,000 times since the ship’s launch in February last year.

The Coast Guard is currently reviewing documents, including regular inspection checklists, submitted by Sea World Express Ferry to verify compliance with operational management regulations, the safety management system, and crew training practices. However, the Coast Guard explained that the investigation of the safety management officer has been delayed due to the officer's attendance with legal counsel.

The investigation into the Mokpo Regional Vessel Traffic Service Center (VTS), which was controlling maritime traffic at the time of the accident, has also begun in earnest.

The Coast Guard plans to investigate the VTS controller on charges of occupational negligence resulting in injury, following criticism that the controller failed to detect abnormal signs from Queen Zenobia 2 in a timely manner.

A simulation conducted by Mokpo National Maritime University at the request of the Coast Guard reportedly found that a minimum separation of 500 meters was required to avoid a collision with the island, and that a course change should have been made at least 370 meters before deviating from the route.

Experts in maritime law stated, "The timing of a course change may vary depending on the judgment of the officer on watch, but in the case of a passenger ship, if there is an unusual speed or course, the VTS must check for this," adding, "If the controller failed to recognize this, negligence on the part of VTS could be established."

Meanwhile, on November 19 at around 4:45 p.m., Queen Zenobia 2, carrying 267 people (including 21 crew members), was sailing from Jeju to Mokpo when it ran aground near Jukdo, off Jangsan Island in Sinan County, Jeollanam-do, at approximately 8:16 p.m. the same day. Since the accident, it has been confirmed that 78 people have received medical treatment at hospitals.

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