South Korean City of Ansan Mourns Sinking

World Today

South Korea Ferry Disaster Residents of city where victims are from in mourning. The tragedy has hit especially hard in the South Korean city of Ansan, which the hometown of many of the students on board the Sewol. Students and local residents there continue to mourn and pray for the victims. CCTV correspondent Terrence Terashima visited town and has this report.

Families waiting with faint hope and despair, anger and confusion surrounds the harbor as another day pass with little progress in the search rescue operations.

Over 270 people, mostly teenagers are believed to be still trapped. Mostly students from Danwon high school on their way to a school trip, turned tragedy.

“Here at Danwon high school, students, parents and local residents continue to visit. Leaving messages and flowers for those that were killed or still missing. Some of the students are scheduled to head down to Jindo to join a funeral service.”

Heartfelt notes left outside classrooms with empty desks. How they miss their friends and school mates. Some still clasping to hopes that they would return.

A student says, “All the students here wish that they will come back”

South Korean City of Ansan Mourns Sinking

The tragedy has hit especially hard in the South Korean city of Ansan, which the hometown of many of the students on board the Sewol. Students and local residents there continue to mourn and pray for the victims. CCTV correspondent Terrence Terashima visited town and has this report.

Kim Yang-Eun, alumna of Danwon High School, says, “Hang in there a little longer and when you return, let’s go out for something nice.”

The news of the death of their vice principle shocked the students even further.

52 year old Kang Min-kyu, said to have committed suicide out of guilt. He left a note saying “surviving alone was too painful.”

Doctors warn that many of the survivors are suffering from post-traumatic stress and immediate treatment is needed to prevent further tragedy, like vice principle.

“The high school is located in a quiet town in Anzan city. The residents are shocked and having a head time digesting the situation. Many of the students would have used this road to commute to their school.”

Residents said for the most part the town has been quiet save the commotions of the visiting press. “My house is right in front of the high school, I feel very bad for the students and my heart goes out to them. It is such a tragedy.”

The school is closed until 23rd April. No joint funeral service is planned so far, but numbers of prayer sessions are scheduled.