Nation Remembers Sewol Ferry Disaster On 11th Anniversary

As the nation prepares to mark the 11th anniversary of the Sewol Ferry disaster, memorial events are taking place across South Korea, reflecting on the tragic loss of 304 lives in 2014. On April 14, 2025, mourners gathered at the Danwon High School 4.16 Memorial Classroom located in the 4.16 Democratic Civic Education Center in Ansan City, Gyeonggi Province, to pay tribute to the victims. This classroom, a recreation of the one used by the students who perished in the disaster, opened on April 12, 2021, and serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost.

The Maritime Accident Tribunal recently released a ruling indicating that the cause of the Sewol Ferry disaster was due to systemic failures in ship management, particularly concerning buoyancy and stability. According to the Central Maritime Safety Tribunal, which oversees maritime accident investigations, the Mokpo Regional Maritime Safety Tribunal concluded that the ferry capsized due to a combination of factors, including an abnormal operation of the helmsman around 8:48 AM on April 16, 2014. The tribunal noted that the helmsman excessively turned the steering wheel to the right, causing the vessel to tilt dangerously.

The Mokpo Tribunal further revealed that the ferry was overloaded, carrying approximately 2,214 tons of cargo—double the permitted amount of 1,077 tons. This overloading resulted in a dangerously high center of gravity, which significantly reduced the ferry's stability. Furthermore, inadequate ballast water—only about 800 tons—was filled, exacerbating the situation. The tribunal's ruling emphasized that cargo was poorly secured, leading to a shift that contributed to the capsizing.

One of the most critical assessments from the tribunal was the failure of the crew to take adequate rescue measures during the disaster. It was noted that all 15 crew members were rescued, while approximately two-thirds of the passengers lost their lives due to the crew's inaction during the emergency. The tribunal stated, "The fact that two-thirds of the passengers perished while all crew members were rescued indicates that the crew did not actively implement rescue measures for the passengers." This chilling conclusion underscores the failures in emergency response that contributed to the tragedy.

In response to the tribunal's findings, the families of the victims and various civic groups have expressed their outrage and called for accountability. The ferry operator, Cheonghaejin Marine, and the crew have appealed the tribunal's decision, seeking a review from the Central Maritime Tribunal. This appeal process will follow judicial procedures similar to those in a court of law, allowing for further examination of the case.

As the 11th anniversary approaches, memorial events are being organized to honor the victims. On April 14, 2025, Jeollanam-do held a memorial service at Jindo Port, where participants offered flowers and observed a moment of silence for the 304 lives lost. The official memorial service is set for April 16, 2025, at 3 PM at the Hwarang Yowonji 3rd parking lot in Ansan. This event will feature a variety of tributes, including performances, memorial addresses, and video screenings that reflect on the impact of the disaster.

In Sejong City, the local education office has also declared a safety and remembrance week from April 14 to April 17, 2025. This initiative includes activities aimed at fostering a culture of safety and remembrance among students and staff. On April 16, which coincides with National Safety Day, the Sejong City Office of Education plans to hold a memorial service featuring speeches, videos, and safety-themed events. Superintendent Choi Kyo-jin emphasized the importance of valuing life and ensuring safety, stating, "We will not forget the Sewol Ferry disaster and will actively implement safety culture expansion by reflecting on how awareness of safety has changed."

As the nation reflects on this tragedy, the memory of the Sewol Ferry disaster continues to resonate deeply within the hearts of many. The events of that fateful day serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance in safety protocols and the importance of honoring those who lost their lives. The ongoing commemoration efforts highlight the collective grief and determination of the families and communities affected by the disaster, ensuring that the lessons learned will not be forgotten.

On a somber note, the 4.16 Memorial Classroom remains a focal point for remembrance, where visitors can engage with the memories of the victims. A caricature depicting the victims is displayed outside the classroom, serving as a visual tribute that captures the essence of their lives and the tragedy that befell them.

As the anniversary approaches, the nation stands united in mourning, reflecting on the past while striving for a safer future. The Sewol Ferry disaster remains a pivotal moment in South Korea's history, prompting ongoing discussions about maritime safety and the responsibilities of those in charge of protecting lives at sea.

The remembrance events scheduled for the upcoming days are not only a tribute to those who lost their lives, but also a call to action for improved safety measures to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.