After lying on its side at the southwestern port of Mokpo for almost a year, the wreck of the Sewol ferry, involved in South Korea’s worst ever maritime disaster, is set to be placed in an upright position this week, as an additional effort for the missing victims to be found.
Sewol ferry was carrying 476 people when it went down, off South Korea’s southwestern coast near Jindo Island, in April 2014, claiming lives of over 300 people. Of the 304 who were confirmed dead, 250 were students on a school excursion.
In June 2017, ALE lifting company completed salvage of Sewol wreck and the vessel is on land in a port in Mokpo since then. The Sewol Investigation Commission revealed plans to put the 6,800-ton ferry upright on Thursday, claiming favorable weather conditions on that day. 33 steel beams have been installed under the vessel on Monday.
Investigation is expected to shed light on the five people who remain unaccounted for until today. The operation is expected to be completed by 10 June.
