SEOUL - All 267 people were rescued on Wednesday from a passenger ferry that ran aground in waters off western South Korea, according to the coast guard.

The coast guard announced that all passengers and crew members were rescued at 11:27 pm local time (1427 GMT) while three of them sustained minor injuries.

Twenty-one crew members remained onboard, while the rescued passengers will be transported to the southwestern port city of Mokpo.

It was reported to the coast guard around 8:17 pm local time (1117 GMT) that the 26,546-ton ferry went aground in waters near an island of Sinan county, about 310 km southwest of the capital Seoul.

The ferry, which had left the southern resort island of Jeju, was heading to Mokpo. The vessel ran onto a submerged rock while approaching the island.

A breach was discovered at the bow of the ferry, but no flooding occurred, according to Yonhap news agency.

Some passengers reported the situation in real time through their social media, saying they were instructed through a public announcement to wear life vests and move to the top deck after the vessel tilted with a loud bang.

The coast guard mobilized 17 patrol vessels, four coastal rescue boats, one aircraft, and a special rescue team.

The passengers transferred to the patrol vessels through the ramp at the stern of the ferry, which is used for loading vehicles, rather than using a ladder. A total of 118 vehicles were loaded onto the ferry.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, currently on a state visit to the United Arab Emirates, gave orders to swiftly handle the accident for no casualties and publicly disclose rescue situations in real time.

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok ordered the coast guard and relevant authorities to immediately deploy all available vessels and equipment for the rapid and safe rescue of all passengers.