SOUTH Korean authorities have issued an arrest warrant for the master of a passenger ferry that ran aground off the country’s southeast coast last week.

South Korea-flagged, 2021-built, passenger ro-ro vessel Queen Jenuvia II (IMO: 9901386) ran aground off Jangseondo Island at around 2017 hrs on November 19, while undertaking a voyage from Jeju Island to the southern city of Mokpo.

The vessel grounded on the uninhabited Jokdo Island, with its bow resting on the island’s reef. The ferry was refloated the next day by the coastguard, and all 267 passengers and crew were safely evacuated, though 27 reportedly visited a local hospital with minor injuries.

An investigation has revealed that the first mate had been looking at his phone directly before the incident occurred and was using the vessel’s autopilot system to navigate in a narrow channel.

Local media outlet Korea JoonAng Daily reported the first mate issued an order to change course just 13 seconds before impact. A simulation run by the Mokpo National Maritime University shows the ship should have begun turning at least 500 metres before the island to avoid a collision.

The master was reportedly away from the wheelhouse at the time of the incident, which contravenes the South Korean Seafarers Act mandating that a master should be on the bridge for arrival, departure and when navigating narrow waterways.

The master told investigators he was monitoring the navigation situation from his cabin and was unable to attend the bridge due to digestive issues.

An arrest warrant for the captain was issued by the Korea Coast Guard on Sunday evening, following the arrests of the first mate and helmsman immediately after the accident.

The master is accused of gross negligence resulting in injury and violating the Seafarers Act.