South Korea has approved plans to raise the Sewol ferry that sank in April last year killing more than 300 people, 250 of whom were high school students on a school trip, the Korea Times reports.
Nine bodies are still missing, which was one of the main reasons for a series of protests across the country, culminating last week when protesters and family members of victims prevented the government officials from attending a memorial ceremony to mark the first anniversary of the tragedy.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said that the salvage company, once chosen, will use crane vessels and a floating dock to raise the ferry which sank in 44 meters of water off the island of Jindo.
The ministry expects that once the salvage company is chosen, it will need around three months for preparatory works, suggesting that the salvage operation could start by September at the earliest.
The ministry expects the salvage to last for about one year and cost around USD 139 million.
World Maritime News Staff;