PM Lee sends condolences to President Park on South Korea ferry disaster

Students hold signs with messages of hope for the return of their missing friends who were on the Sewol ferry, which sank in the sea off Jindo, at Danwon High School in Ansan on April 17, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
Students hold signs with messages of hope for the return of their missing friends who were on the Sewol ferry, which sank in the sea off Jindo, at Danwon High School in Ansan on April 17, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has sent his condolences to South Korean President Park Geun Hye on the sinking of passenger ferry Sewol off Byeongpung Island. The tragedy, which took place on Wednesday, has resulted in at least 13 people dead and 283 still missing (as of 8pm Singapore time). Many of the 475 passengers are teenage students. The vessel was on its way to Jeju, a popular holiday spot.

Said Mr Lee: "I was very saddened to learn of the sinking of the passenger ferry Sewol. It is especially heart wrenching that many on the ferry are young students, whose excursion to a resort ended so tragically."

He added, "Our thoughts are with you and your people in this time of sorrow."

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