Sewol salvage to begin in September

A buoy written, "Sewol" marks where the Sewol Ferry sank last year on April 16 in Jindo, South Jeolla Province / Photo by Lee Ji-hye

By Lee Ji-hye

The government has confirmed plans to salvage the Sewol ferry that sank last year and took 304 lives.

Last April’s disaster happened off the southern coast of Jindo, South Jeolla Province. Nine people are still missing.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said Wednesday the operation would use crane vessels and a floating dock to raise the ship.

After choosing a company to organize the salvage, the ministry expects there will three months of preparation before work begins ㅡ including salvage planning, supplies and equipment securing, and base installing.

It said the salvage would take about a year, depending on the weather. The government had earlier announced that the process would take up to 18 months, at a cost of 150 billion won ($138,729,000).

"We wish to send out a message of comfort for the bereaved families that have had to live with a sorrow and an unspeakable sadness for a whole year,” Oceans minister Yoo Ki-june said.

“We plan to continue active communication with the families of the nine people still unaccounted for.”

The salvage decision was announced soon after a meeting of the Central Disaster and Relief Committee to evaluate an Oceans Ministry and Sewol Disaster Central Response Committee proposal to lift the ferry from the sea floor.

"The government will be making its utmost efforts to fulfill its role in leading the salvage, and to make sure the process is successful," Public Safety and Security Minister Park In-yong said.