Tag Archives: ferry

“Culture Blaming and Stereotyping in the South Korean Ferry Tragedy”

Great Article talking about the victim-blaming going on in the news right now. The Korean culture is a beautiful thing; the fact that there were so many heroic kids, some as young as 6, mature enough to think through helping one another speaks well of the culture, their parents, and them. These were great, smart, amazing children. They have my respect. **DB

“Culture Blaming and Stereotyping in the South Korean Ferry Tragedy”

by Kai Ma via “TIME.com”

A nation grieves, a nation is blamed.

It’s a story that gets more tragic by the hour. The Sewolferry, carrying 476 passengers, mostly youth from one high school in Ansan, South Korea, capsized last Wednesday while en route to Jeju Island. Shortly after the sinking, 174 passengers were rescued. More than a week later, at the time of this writing, 175 are confirmed dead; 127 are missing.

It’s also a story that’s downright mystifying. A captain that jumped ship. Untouched lifeboats. Orders to stay put as the vessel rolled. As bodies continue to be pulled from the sea, and as families desperately seek answers, the Sewol disaster has created a cultural flashpoint, forcing many to ask, “Who is to blame?” Continue reading →

Tags: boat, crash, Culture, ferry, Korea, south korea, Tragedy

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Categories Events, Life

Tragic Korean Ferry Crash

16 Apr

I’m sure most of you already heard about this, but there was a huge ferry crash off the coast of Seoul. Almost 300 people are missing, including many high school students. They were on a field trip to Jeju Island. Jeju is not just the #1 most popular destination for South Koreans, it is one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific. As far as it’s role as a travel destination, it rivals Hawaii for Asian tourists. So basically, this happened on a dream-trip to the ultimate vacation spot. What makes it worse is that it didn’t sink quickly. Students had enough time to start sending messages to their parents, sending farewell messages and reminding them of their love. The devastation here is just unspeakable.

I know that nothing we say can help any of the families right now, but I wanted all of them to know that they have our prayers and thoughts right now. We will be waiting for the news right alongside you, and we are sending you as much love and long-distant hugs as we can. God bless you, and know that you and your family members are being prayed or as we speak.

“Nine Dead, 287 Missing in Ferry Sinking Off Southwestern Coast”

“At least Nine people were killed, with the fate of 287 others unknown, in the Sinking of a South Korean Ferry off the country’s Southwestern Coast, officials said Early Thursday. As Military Divers and other Rescuers Resumed a Desperate search for survivors Shortly after noon, Recovered Two More bodies were, the Coast Guard announced.The death toll is feared to Soar, as search-and-rescue Efforts have been hampered by swift currents, low temperature and low Visibility.Sewol The 6,825-ton, heading to the Jeju Island with 475 people on board, capsized after sending a distress call at around 8:58 am Wednesday (Korea time). Two hours and 20 minutes Completely SANK it later. Passengers include Ansan Danwon 375 students and 14 Teachers from High School, who were on a Four-Day Field trip to the Island. Among them, 179 have been rescued. Remains The exact reason for the Sinking Reports Suggest UNCONFIRMED but that it might have an Underwater Hit rock.Rescuers say many of the passengers and crew seem to have been trapped in the vessel.Authorities plan to START Working to Recover the Sunken vessel as Early as Friday. Sent by Some text messages were students at the time of Sinking Public MADE. “Mom, I am sending this as I may have no chance to say. I love you!” Read a message. teary Families of the missing have been restlessly waiting for follow-up at the Paengmok Port Reports in Jindo, South Jeolla Province, the Nearest port from the Ship SANK WHERE. Immediately after Receiving a BRIEFING on the incident, South Korean President Park Geun-Hye ordered all-out search-and-rescue Efforts by relevant authorities, According to her Office. Park was quoted as saying her heart is Breaking What could be One of the Worst over in South Korea during peacetime tragedies.Prime Minister Chung Hong-won hurried to Jindo to meet the families of the passengers. He faced a Barrage of Fierce Protests from many Families Upset About a delay in rescue Efforts. The USNAVY’s Seventh Fleet also has Sent a Ship with helicopters on board to join the Operation. Meanwhile, the U.S. government offered its condolences.”We extend Our deepest condolences to the loved Ones of those who Lost their lives on board the South Korea Ferry, the Sewol, “Marie Harf, the State Department’s deputy spokeswoman, said at the Beginning of her Daily Press BRIEFING in Washington DC The U.S. is ready to Provide any Necessary Assistance, she Added. She also noted the U.S. 7th Fleet has Joined the Operation. “The USS Bonhomme Richard has Moved to the Area to Assist the government of South Korea with the search and rescue operations … We are ready to Help in any Way we can, “Harf said. . . . .”

Tags: ferry, high school, Korea, students, Tragedy

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Categories Events, Life

Han River Cruise

22 Jun

Took a trip down the Han River with the Hangang River Cruise today, and it was just as wonderful as I remembered. The sky was pretty foggy, so my pictures weren’t as crisp, but in real life it was just mind-blowing. I think I truly fell in love with Seoul the first time I took this cruise. Before then, I was enjoying my visit and I had started to get used to my surroundings and the excitement of the trip. But it was after this cruise that it really felt like home there. There is a difference from feeling like a guest made comfortable and feeling like this is where you belong. The Han River makes me feel like I belong.

Perhaps it’s because I was raised alongside the Mississippi, but there is just something truly magical about floating down a huge expanse of water, listening to the bobbing waves mixing with crooning lyrics from the radio as you are encompassed by the dark, lit only by the cityscape on either side and the multi-colored lights lining the bridges. It’s hard to explain, and photos (which fail to encompass sound, or smell, or feelings) can never even come close to doing it justice. With the moon above you, and the world passing by on either side, you just feel awed. Yes, that’s the word I”m looking for–Awed. So much so that I put my camera down for the last half of the trip, and just sat there. Quietly, alone with my thoughts and with the world on pause. Maybe I”ll go back tomorrow.