Updated: 1.26pm, April 16th
A major rescue operation is underway after a ferry to the resort island of Jeju sank carrying more than 470 people.
Four people have died while more than 290 people are still unaccounted for after the ferry sank off South Korea’s southern coast,
Officials said 179 people had been officially rescued as of 12:00 (03:00GMT).
The passengers, including 325 high school students, were on their way to Jeju island for a four-day trip after leaving Incheon port, just west of Seoul, on Tuesday evening.
The ferry sent a distress call Wednesday morning as it began leaning to one side, according to Ministry of Security and Public Administration.
Jeju island is popular with tourists with three sites recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Hallasan Mountain, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, and the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System.
The rescue effort includes 34 naval, coastguard and civilian ships and 18 helicopters.
