The Hangang Bus, Seoul’s new river ferry, veered off course and stopped on the Han River on Saturday, just two weeks after resuming service, following suspensions due to mechanical and electrical defects.

All 82 passengers were rescued without injury after an hour, but there was great anxiety as the vessel remained halted some 118 meters from the nearest Jamsil dock.

Following a comprehensive inspection involving divers and water-level analysis, the Seoul Metropolitan Government determined that the ferry had become stuck in a riverbed after veering off course.

The city has restricted ferry trips on the Magok-Yeouido route until further safety assessments can be conducted, and Prime Minister Kim Min-seok ordered an investigation into the cause of the incident as well as a review of existing safety measures.

Representatives from the ruling Democratic Party(DP) urged Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon to suspend the service entirely to address persistent defects.

The mayor apologized for causing public anxiety and inconvenience, but added that it would be inadvisable to use a safety matter for political gain.