South Korean Ferry: Unfavorable weather hinders quest of survivors

Frantic efforts to rescue survivors from the South Korean ferry mishap site have been brought to a halt owing to highly unfavorable weather conditions.

Heavy winds, strong currents and foggy atmosphere are causing vehement disruptions in the search for survivors. Military divers have been fighting high wind and waves to try to access the vessel. Three divers were swept away in recent attempts but rescued by a fishing boat reported BBC News.

The vessel was travelling from Incheon port, in the north-west, to the southern resort island of Jeju. Reports reveal that at least nine people are confirmed to have died, with dozens more injured. Naval and coastguard vessels used their equipments, to maintain a search now involving 500 divers, 169 vessels and 29 aircrafts, it said.

According to Reports, emergency services are still searching for nearly 300 people missing after the ship carrying more than 470 people sank. Officials say 179 people have been rescued. Most of the passengers were pupils at the same high school.