A startling engine malfunction occurred on a passenger ship northwest of Dokdo, but thanks to the swift response of the East Sea Marine Police, all 156 people—150 passengers and 6 crew members—secured their safety and are safely navigating toward Sadeung Port on Ulleungdo.
According to the East Sea Marine Police Service, at approximately 4:28 p.m. that day, a report of engine trouble on a Dokdo passenger ship was received from waters approximately 14 km northwest of Dokdo. The passenger ship carrying 156 crew members had one engine stopped due to floating debris becoming entangled. Fortunately, the ship was able to continue at low speed using alternative power. The sudden engine malfunction occurring in the middle of the sea was a crisis situation that could have led to a major accident.
The East Sea Marine Police's response to the crisis situation was swift and systematic. Upon receiving the report, the marine police immediately dispatched two large patrol vessels to the scene—a 5,000-ton class patrol vessel 5001 and a 3,000-ton class patrol vessel 3007. Despite the geographical conditions of being 14 km northwest of Dokdo, the large patrol vessels arrived at the accident site without delay, positioned closely alongside the passenger ship, and began emergency safety management.
Under the thorough close management of the marine police patrol vessels, all 156 crew members aboard have been confirmed to be in good health so far. The marine police are sparing no effort in providing thorough surveillance and support to ensure the passenger ship can continue its voyage safely. The passenger ship is scheduled to arrive at Sadeung Port on Ulleungdo at approximately 8:50 p.m. that day.