Hundreds missing as South Korea ferry capsizes and sinks

The ferry was carrying mainly school students when it met a deadly end off the coast of South Korea.

By Dave Lancaster |

14:05 16 April 2014

Hundreds are missing and some are confirmed dead after a ferry carrying 476 people capsized and proceeded to sink off the coast of South Korea. 

 

The ship was travelling from the north west's port of Incheon and was headed to Jeju, a resort island to the south. It was carrying largely school students. 

 

Initial reports stated that 368 were saved but that figure was revised by South Korean officials and slashed in half to roughly 180, leaving hundreds missing or deceased. At least two have been confirmed dead. 

 

As it went down, rescuers were pictured balancing on the hull plucking teenage survivors from the cabin windows

 

A passenger told local YTN News: "We heard a big thumping sound and the boat stopped.

 

"The boat is tilting and we have to hold on to something to stay seated."

 

Another student was quoted by the BBC: "Currently, I am in the middle of being rescued. At the time, the ship was turning on its side, and none of us were moving as we were told not to move as it was dangerous.

 

"So, I am not well aware of the situation, but I am told that my friends and other friends could not escape as the passage was blocked. It seems that there are many students who could not get out as the passage was blocked by water."

 

As yet it is unclear what caused the crash. Weather conditions were fine and the boat was not overloaded - it had a capacity of 900 but was carrying just over half: 476.