[Yonhap News Photo]
SEOUL -- A 223-ton ferry stranded above a pile of rocks while sailing through dense fog in coastal waters off the southwestern port of Mockpo, but all 163 people abroad were rescued without serious injuries, coastguard authorities said.
The ferry carrying 158 passengers and five crew hit rocks at 3:47 pm (0647 GMT) Sunday, but rescuers transported all aboard safely to another ship in a 90-minute operation. Dozens of people sustained minor injuries.
The captain reportedly told investigators that the ferry got out of control in an attempt to avoid colliding with a fishing boat. The ferry did not turn over because it sat on rocks in shallow waters.
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
