Death toll rises to 188 in S Korean ferry disaster

The death toll currently stands at 188, with 114 people still missing. 174 were rescued as the ship sank in waters off South Korea's southwestern coast.

It's been 13 days since the South Korean ship, the Sewol, capsized with 476 people on board. The death toll currently stands at 188, with 114 people still missing. 174 were rescued as the ship sank in waters off South Korea's southwestern coast.

Authorities have sent three fishery guidance boats and have enlarged the search zone, to search for bodies that may have drifted away from the ship.

212 ships and 127 divers were involved in Sunday's search operations. But bad weather hampered the search as rain and strong winds hit the area. So far, 35 of 111 cabins have been searched. The focus of operations is now targeting the passenger cabin on the fourth floor. Four US diving experts are on site offering technical support.

The Sewol ferry sank on a routine trip from the port of Incheon to the southern holiday island of Jeju. Most of the dead and those who are still missing are students and teachers from the Danwon High School near Seoul. Investigations have focused on human error and mechanical failure.

Public anger, especially from families of those still missing, has been directed at the government and its perceived slow response. South Korean Prime Minister Chung Hong-won resigned Sunday amid criticism of the government's handling of the disaster.