S. Korean ferry runs aground, all 109 rescued

MOKPO, South Korea, Sept. 30 (UPI) —

All 109 people were rescued Tuesday after a South Korean ferry boat ran aground onto a submerged rock, officials said.

The incident was a cause of alarm in South Korea, where a much larger ferry, the 6,825-ton ferry boat Sewol, ran sank in April, resulting in the deaths of 304 people. Tuesday’s maritime accident occurred about 70 kilometers (50 miles) from the Sewol’s sinking, in waters adjacent to Jeolla province, near Hongdo Island.

The national government was criticized for perceived careless safety standards which were believed to have led to the April accident.

The South Korean coast guard is investigating the latest incident. The 104 sightseers and five crew members aboard the 71-ton boat were on a trip around Hongdo when it ran aground. Nearby fishing vessels and another tourist boat arrived quickly to rescue the passengers.

No serious injuries were reported.