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An official checks the water depth near Jamsil Pier in Seoul’s Songpa District on November 16, after a Hangang water bus became stuck on the riverbed and came to a halt. / Source: Yonhap News

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on November 16 ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the Hangang water bus incident, in which a vessel became stuck on the riverbed near Jamsil Pier, bringing operations to an abrupt stop.

Kim instructed Seoul City to work closely with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to determine the exact cause of the grounding and reassess the safety of the vessel, the pier infrastructure, and the overall operating routes. He also called for a detailed review of risk factors related to the river’s shallow depths and for the development of specific response measures.

The directive included a broader review of emergency preparedness—whether proper systems are in place to ensure the safety of all passengers in the event of grounding, sinking, fire, or other accidents involving the Hangang water bus service.

“Safety can never be overemphasized,” Kim said, urging the authorities to complete inspections and follow-up measures as quickly as possible. He added that the government should also consider additional options, including extending the temporary suspension of operations if necessary.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Kim expressed “serious concerns” over whether the selection of pier locations and operational routes adequately reflected the geography of the Hangang River.

The Hangang water bus—one of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s flagship projects—ran aground at about 8:24 p.m. the previous day in a shallow section near Jamsil Pier. All 82 passengers were safely rescued by police and fire authorities.