Helmsman's Phone Distraction Causes South Korean Ferry to Run Aground

A ferry in South Korea ran aground after its helmsman became distracted by his mobile phone, according to coastguard officials. The incident occurred near an uninhabited island off the country's southwestern coast on Wednesday evening. All 267 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated. They were transported to a nearby port following the crash. The passenger ferry was traveling from Jeju Island to the port city of Mokpo when it ran aground. A preliminary investigation found the officer steering the vessel was using his phone. This distraction caused him to fail in his duty to maintain a proper watch and a safe course.