Ship carrying South Korean students sank, more than 100 people missing

The ship was carrying about 477 people, including some 325 students. At least two people have died, and the rescue effort was still under-way six hours after the ferry first sent out a distress signal, authorities say.

The ferry, carrying mainly school students, was travelling from the port of Incheon, in the north-west, to the southern resort island of Jeju.

A major rescue effort is under way, using dozens of ships and helicopters.

Several hours after the disaster, at least 290 people remained missing, local media said.

South Korean officials had earlier said that 368 people had been plucked to safety, but later said there had been a counting error.

They have now revised down the number rescued to about 180, Yonhap news agency reported.

Two people are known to have died and at least 13 others have been injured, reports say.

Images showed the ferry listing at a severe angle and then later almost completely submerged, with only a small part of its hull visible.

Cause unclear

Pictures showed rescue teams balanced on the sinking hull pulling teenagers from cabin windows. Some of their classmates jumped into the sea as the ship went down.

Reports suggest some of those rescued were picked up by nearby commercial vessels.

Navy divers were now searching the scene for those unaccounted for, officials said.