Rescue operation underway as ferry sinks in Korea

Over 100 people are missing and at least two people have been declared dead after a passenger ferry carrying several hundred students and teachers among other passengers sunk off the coast of South Korea.

The ferryboat was taking high-school children and teachers on a field trip to Jeju Island when it sent a distress signal, saying it was sinking.

The causes of the accident remain unknown although thick fog overnight caused other ferries to cancel their services to the islands. One witness declared that a ‘loud impact and noise’ was heard just before the boat capsized and started sinking.

As the ferry was going underwater, terrified passengers ran to the lifeboats, some even jumped into the water from where fishermen took them aboard. Many people were rescued and are in good conditions but the number of injured or deceased people remains unknown.

In Seoul desperate parents cling to the news reports in hope of information that would clarify their grim situation.