South Korean ferry toll rises to 64

The toll in the South Korean ferry sinking reached 64 Monday, as divers kept entering inside the hull of the submerged vessel while ships were scouring the waters, Xinhua reported.

So far, 64 people have been confirmed dead with 238 others still missing. The number of the rescued remained unchanged at 174.

The pan-government response centre will hold a regular press briefing at 10 a.m. local time to explain overnight rescue operations.

Unmanned submersibles called remotely-operated vehicle were sent to enter the hull on the bow side and search possible survivors.

Jigging fishing boats, which catch squids, worked at the scene overnight to offer lightening for nighttime search and rescue operations.

Rescue operations are expected to pick up speed Monday given favourable weather conditions at the scene.

Waves are forecast to be 0.5-1 meter high, with the wind to blow at a speed of 6-9 m/s. Water temperature in the area is at around 12 degrees Celsius.