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Big East Sea swell injures five Dokdo-Ulleung ferry passengers

Published: 03 May. 2025, 12:18

MICHAEL LEE
[email protected]

The Dokdo islets as photographed on Oct. 25, 2024. [DAEZER SHIPPING]

Five people suffered minor injuries after their ship from Dokdo to Ulleung Island encountered rough sea conditions on Friday evening, according to local reports.

The 364-ton ferry, which was carrying 449 passengers at the time, was struck by a swell approximately 57 kilometers (35 miles) from its destination at 6:30 p.m.

Local media reported that the wave broke several windows aboard the ship inflicting superficial wounds to at least three people.

A total of five people were taken to the Ulleung County Public Health Center to receive treatment after the ship docked.

Ulleung Island is the closest inhabited landmass to Dokdo, a pair of rocky islets administered by Korea in the East Sea.

Although Dokdo is host to only a small police outpost and a single resident, it is a subject of national pride in Korea due to Japan’s claim to the islets.

Ulleung serves as the main point of departure for travelers wishing to visit Dokdo.

BY MICHAEL LEE [[email protected]]