Seaworld Express Ferry, the operator of the large car ferry Queen Jenuvia II that ran aground off Sinan, South Jeolla, will compensate passengers with vouchers for hotels in Jeju and other benefits.
On the 22nd, Seaworld Express Ferry sent text messages to passengers of the Queen Jenuvia II, which was involved in the grounding, guiding them on refunds and additional compensation measures.
The compensation plan prepared by Seaworld Express Ferry includes a full refund of passenger fares and a 20% refund of vehicle shipping fares. For passengers' convenience, the plan also includes additional compensation of a Jeju Shinhwa World lodging voucher (two nights). Seaworld Express Ferry said that under its carriage terms it should refund 20% of passenger fares, but it increased the refund to 100% in consideration of the inconvenience to passengers.
Seaworld Express Ferry said, "We once again deeply apologize for the inconvenience and concern caused by this incident," and added, "We will take full responsibility to resolve the inconvenience."
The Queen Jenuvia II, which runs between Mokpo and Jeju, has suspended service through Dec. 31 for a detailed inspection and safety checks related to the grounding. Seaworld Express Ferry plans to operate by partially adjusting the departure and arrival times of the Queen Jenuvia I, and the suspension period of the II could be extended.
Earlier, the Jenuvia II, carrying 267 people including 246 passengers and 21 crew members, departed Jeju for Mokpo at about 4:45 p.m. on the 19th and ran aground at about 8:16 p.m. the same day, with roughly half of the hull riding up onto Jokdo near Jangsan-do in Sinan County, South Jeolla. Thirty passengers reported injuries in the accident and received hospital treatment.