Officials confirmed Tuesday the death toll in last week's ferry disaster off the coast of South Korea has reached more than 100.
"At least 108 people are now confirmed dead. Divers are searching under water in very tough conditions around the clock." (Via CNN)
"The recovery effort is slow, but better conditions allow divers to reach more bodies in the sunken ship." (Via Al Jazeera)
As Time points out, the number of deaths increased drastically Monday after divers discovered alternate ways to get inside the sunken ship.
Crews were reportedly able to recover 28 bodies Monday and 21 more Tuesday, bringing the total number of victims to 108 on Tuesday. (Via HLN)
One rescue diver told CNN the incident is weighing heavily on everyone involved in the search. "The conditions are so bad, my heart aches. We're going in thinking there may be survivors. When we have to come back with nothing, we can't even face the families."
But the search is far from over — more than 190 people are still missing. And with each passing day, officials say it's less likely search and rescue teams will be able to find survivors.
The majority of the 476 people on board the ferry when it suddenly capsized Wednesday were high school students headed to the island of Jeju for an overnight field trip. (Via Euronews)
The BBC reports the ship capsized and sank within two hours. Investigators still don't know exactly what caused this tragic disaster.
But South Korean authorities have charged the ferry's captain and two crew members with negligence of duty and violating maritime law after they say the three abandoned the sinking vessel without helping passengers to safety. (Via ABC)
Actions that South Korean President Park Geun-hye told reporters Monday are "unforgivable" and "murderous." (Via Arirang)
According to the Korea Herald, if the captain is convicted on all the charges against him, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Police also arrested six more crew members, bringing the total number of crew members in custody to nine. Officials say divers will continue their search for another two days before shifting their focus to bringing the ship to the surface.
