Ferry drops off passenger at unscheduled island stop after boarding dispute

A ferry captain dropped off a passenger at an unscheduled island stop after the traveler complained of boarding the wrong vessel — an incident that has only recently come to light. The operator had also failed to check tickets before departure.

According to the Incheon Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries and other authorities, a passenger identified as A boarded Ferry B with a vehicle on the afternoon of Aug. 12, departing from an island in Ongjin-gun, Incheon.

A had boarded without a ticket check and only learned of the mistake when crew members verified tickets after departure.

A strongly demanded to be let off at a nearby island, and the captain of Ferry B ultimately complied, disembarking the passenger at an island not on the vessel's scheduled route.

The captain made the decision without reporting it to the shipping company, reportedly weighing the safety of other passengers and tidal conditions.

Under the Maritime Transportation Act, however, passenger ferry operators are required to follow their approved service plans except in unavoidable circumstances such as natural disasters, severe weather or emergency inspections.

The Incheon office identified the violation through vessel tracking records and plans to hold a hearing with the shipping company before imposing a penalty surcharge. It has already fined the company 2.5 million won ($1,810) for failing to check tickets before boarding.

About 30 passengers were on board Ferry B at the time, but no safety incidents occurred.

"There was no deliberate intent on the part of the shipping company, such as for financial gain, but the Maritime Transportation Act was violated," an official at the Incheon office said. "We are proceeding with the relevant legal process."

The shipping company said the captain had sought understanding from passengers at the time, and pledged to prevent a recurrence. "We will pay closer attention to education for the captain and crew so that something like this never happens again," the company said.