88 divers search for missing passengers trapped in capsized ferry off South Korean coast

SEOUL, April 25 (UPI) -- The South Korean government continued its search for the bodies of the 117 passengers still missing from the April 16 ferry accident.

The emergency task force said Friday's search was the most involved. "A total of 88 divers were put into the underwater search operation," senior Coast Guard official Koh Myung-suk told a press conference. The day's search efforts were focused on the third and fourth decks of the capsized five story vessel.

The ferry was carrying 476 people when it capsized off Jindo Island. 174 passengers were rescued on the day of the accident, including the captain and most of the crew.

The South Korean government said Friday that 185 people were confirmed dead while 117 remain missing.