South Korean sightseeing company E-Cruise has temporarily suspended its operational sailings after one of its vessels ran aground over the weekend.
The unidentified vessel was carrying 359 passengers when it became stranded on the Han River near the Banpo Bridge in central Seoul at around 20:05 local time on Saturday, March 28.
Personnel from the local police and fire departments were dispatched to the area on small boats to evacuate the distressed passengers. Good Samaritans on other vessels also diverted to where the tour boat had become stranded to assist in bringing the passenger to shore.
No injuries have been reported among the passengers.
The E-Land Group, parent company of E-Cruise, said that although the vessel was serving a regular route, the river's water level on Saturday evening was lower than usual.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has begun investigating the mishap to determine whether the vessel had veered from its authorised route. It will also issue an updated map of the river showing its depths at various portions as well as danger zones.
