2 dead, 290 missing as ferry sinks in South Korea

A ferry boat carrying more than 470 people sank off South Korea's southern coaston Wednesday, leaving at least two people dead and about 290 others missing.The Security and Public Administration Ministry announced that the ferry set offfrom the western port of Incheon on Tuesday evening and was due to arrive in thesouthern resort island of Jeju later on Wednesday. The ferry careened off after itcalled for help when it was two km off the Byungpoong island.325 of the total 476 passengers were high school students, who were on their way toJeju for a four-day school trip, it was reported.A massive rescue operation was launched after the incident, which included 16helicopters, 34 coast guard boats and many divers.The ministry officials had earlier stated that 368 people were rescued, but they lateracknowledged there was an error in counting figures. More than 290 people stillremain unaccounted for, they said. About 180 people have been rescued so far with14 of them suffering injuries.One recovered person said that many people are still in the ferryboat which is underwater, and the rescue team stated that with the sea water being so cold, hopes forfurther recovery are exhausting as time progresses.