Divers in South Korean Waters Reach Sunken Ferry, Find More Bodies
Divers Sunday were finally able to enter the capsized ferry that sank near South Korea last week, discovering more bodies, with the death toll expected to climb substantially as they make their way through the vessel.
However, divers are also facing an enormous challenge in looking for bodies because of murky waters and strong currents.
As of Monday, 61 people were confirmed dead, with 240 passengers still missing. About 179 people were rescued last Wednesday. Most of the 475 passengers on the ferry were high school students on a field trip.
Meanwhile, Lee Joon-Seok, the captain of the ferry Sewol, and two others were arrested Saturday on suspicion of negligence and abandoning people in need.
South Korean prosecutors claim Joon-Seok was in his bedroom when the ferry crashed and that the third mate, who is in her 20s, was at the ship's helm when the accident happened, trying to steer the ship in the treacherous waters.
On Monday, South Korean President Park Geun-hye remarked, "The conduct of the captain and some crew members is unfathomable from the viewpoint of common sense, and it was like an act of murder that cannot and should not be tolerated." Meanwhile, four more crew members from the Sewol have also been detained.
It was also revealed Monday that all 12 crew members from the ferry survived and had communicated with one another via walkie-talkies.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy is assisting in search-and-rescue efforts. The Seventh Fleet will aid in the mission with the U.S.S. Bonhomme Richard assigned to a search area 15 nautical miles from the shipwreck site.
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