SOUTH KOREAN PM RESIGNS OVER FERRY ACCIDENT

Chung Hong-Won

The South Korean Prime Minister, Chung Hong-won, announced his resignation this morning April 27th, 11 days after a ferry carrying school children on a field trip to the island of Jeju capsized and sank, killing over 300 people. In his announcement this morning, Chung Hong-Won said;

"It has been more than 10 days since the sinking accident occurred, but the cries from the family members who still not have found their missing keep me from sleeping at night," he said.

"I bow my head and express my condolences to the victims' portraits of this accident. I apologize deeply to the bereaving families, and I pray for a quick recovery from the hurt of a slow recovery."

Prime Minister Chung outlined his decision on national television, after apologizing "on behalf of the government for the many problems that arose during the first response and the subsequent rescue operation" in addition to "problems that existed before the accident."

"During the search process, the government took inadequate measures and disappointed the public," Chung said. "I should take responsibility for everything as the prime minister, but the government can assume no more. So I will resign as prime minister", the PM said.

The captain and all crew members of the Sewol ship rescued themselves leaving 300 school children, teachers and other passengers to their fate. They have all  been arrested and are being prosecuted for causing death by abandoning (ship), and violation of the country's marine law, the Rescue and Aid at Sea and in the River Act. A total no of 188 persons have been confirmed dead and about 114 still missing.