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Arrest Warrants Sought After South Korean Ferry Runs Aground, All 267 Rescued

Investigators seek arrest warrants after finding the first mate was on his phone at the helm.

Overview

  • Authorities applied for arrest warrants for the first mate and an Indonesian helmsman on charges of gross negligence resulting in injury.
  • Voyage data show the first mate issued a steering command only 13 seconds before impact, with investigators saying he had been using his mobile phone and relying on autopilot in a narrow channel.
  • The captain’s absence from the wheelhouse is under review for possible Seafarers Act violations, and officials are examining whether the local Vessel Traffic Service reacted quickly enough.
  • All 267 people on board were evacuated without fatalities, around 30 passengers were treated for minor injuries, and the ship was refloated and returned to Mokpo without flooding detected.
  • Investigators secured the voyage data recorder, CCTV and crew phones for forensic analysis, and the operator suspended services pending inspections.