Hundreds Missing As Ferry Sinks Off South Korea

At least 290 people remain unaccounted for after a ferry capsized and sank off South Korea. The ferry, which was carrying 476 passengers, had been travelling from the port of Incheon to the resort island of Jeju. A major rescue operation, involving ships and helicopter is currently underway. Two people are reported dead while at least 13 others are injured. Many of those travelling on the ferry were high-school students and navy divers are now searching the scene for those unaccounted for. The rescue operation is currently underway One passenger told the YTN news channel: "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 passenger said the ship was "shaking and tilting", with people tripping and bumping into each other. It is not yet known what caused the ship to capsize but witnesses have described hearing an impact before the ship sank. The ferry sent out a distress signal about 20km (12 miles) off the island of Byungpoong at about 09:00 local time (00:00 GMT). Images via Getty