Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has expressed concern about the safety of the Hangang Bus ferry service and ordered a thorough investigation after a vessel ran aground in shallow waters on Saturday.

On Sunday the prime minister instructed the city of Seoul to thoroughly investigate the cause of the incident and reassess the safety of the Hangang Bus vessels, docks and operating routes, in coordination with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

Kim also ordered the city and the ministry to analyze the potential risks associated with the river’s shallow waters and take appropriate steps in response.

The special directive also instructed authorities to review whether an adequate response system is in place to ensure the safety of all ferry passengers in the event of a grounding, sinking or fire.

The Han River ferry ran aground at 8:24 p.m. Saturday in shallow waters near a dock in Jamsil, southern Seoul, leaving 82 passengers stranded. 

All were safely rescued by police and fire officials.