DHAKA: South Korea is to break up its coastguard in the wake of the ferry disaster in which about 300 people died, says President Park Geun-hye.

In a televised address, she apologised formally for the sinking.

A new safety agency would handle rescue duties, with investigative functions passing to the police, she said.

The Sewol ferry disaster on 16 April killed 281 passengers, most of whom were high school students. Another 23 are still missing.

"The ultimate responsibility of the poor response to this accident lies with me," President Park said, quoted by an International news agency.

The ferry captain and three members of the crew have been charged with manslaughter.

Prosecutors have indicted another 11 crew members for negligence.

Only 172 passengers survived the sinking of the ferry, including 22 of the 29 crew members.

An interim investigation found that a sharp turn was the main cause of the sinking.

Source: BBC

BDST: 0832 HRS, MAY 19, 2014