S Korean ferry tragedy investigation expands to include Coast Guard

Investigations into the sinking of the South Korean ferry have now expanded to include the actions of the Coast Guard on the day.

On Monday, officials raided a Coast Guard situation room, where they confiscated a number of work logs and recordings. Officials are keen to determine whether or not Coast Guard officials handled the situation properly when they first learned of the accident. Investigators also raided several offices and a residence of the ferry's captain, Lee Joon-seok, they believe that the captain raised funds illegally and conducted illegal foreign exchange transactions through an off-shore company.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that 50 minutes after Coast Guards arrived at the site of the accident, a message was sent by a high school student, indicating that people still needed to be rescued towards the end of rescue operations. Many therefore believe, that a number of those who lost their lives could have been rescued if some measures were taken.

At the same time, the ongoing rescue is facing a huge challenge with the tide and underwater currents, beginning to affect the health of divers. A special team was set up on Monday to deal with possible problems, as the rescue work is expected to last longer.