Civilian divers jump into the sea to search for missing passengers in the sinking of the ferry Sewol. Photo: EPA

At least six people were killed, with the fate of 290 others unknown, in the sinking of a South Korean ferry off the country's southwestern coast. Photo: EPA

Rescue crews at the site of the capsized passenger ferry. Photo: EPA

South Korean coastguard helicopters attempt to airlift passengers and crew stranded on the stricken ferry. Photo: AP

A relative of a passenger aboard a sunken ferry weeps at a port in Jindo. Photo: AP

A passenger from the ferry Sewon is hoisted onto a coastguard helicopter off the southern Korean coast near Jindo. Photo: AP

Survivors are wrapped in blankets after they are brought back to land in Jindo. Photo: AFP

South Korean ferry "Sewol" is seen sinking in the sea off Jindo. Photo: Reuters