Survivors of capsized South Korean ferry testify against captain

World Today

Students who survived the South Korean ferry disaster testified Monday they were repeatedly ordered by loudspeaker to stay on the sinking ship, but eventually helped each other flee after finding their cabins flooded.

The six girls spoke at a court session for 15 crew members responsible for the ship’s navigation. The crew members face charges of negligence and failing to perform their duties to rescue passengers, with four of them facing homicide charges.

The students from Danwon High School, near Seoul, revealed how chaotic the scene on the ferry was, saying they wore life jackets and were helped by friends to float out and leave flooded rooms. One of them said she saw some schoolmates swept away by the waters.

Ujean Jung reports from South Korea on the first day of testimony in the trial of the captain and crew members.
Follow U-Jean Jung on Twitter @ujeanjung

Korean ferry students leave unilateral

Students who survived the South Korean ferry disaster testified Monday they were repeatedly ordered by loudspeaker to stay in the sinking ship, but eventually helped each other flee after finding their cabins were flooded too much.