Death toll rises to 187 in S. Korea ferry sinking disaster

JINDO, South Korea - Death toll in the South Korea ferry sinking disaster continued to rise to 187 Saturday morning, but search operations slowed amid faster tidal currents and worse weather.

Only two more bodies were recovered from the sunken vessel overnight, raising the death toll to 187. A total of 115 people was still missing, with the number of those rescued remaining unchanged at 174 since the first day of the deadly sinking incident.

Search and rescue operations slowed from Thursday as tidal currents became faster than forecast in waters near Jindo Island, where the 6,825-ton ferry Sewol capsized and sank on April 16 carrying 476 people, mostly high school students. The area is famous for the country's second-fastest currents.

Divers found only 11 bodies Friday and 15 others Thursday from the submerged ship, after discovering 38 Wednesday, 36 on Tuesday and 28 on Monday, respectively.

Search operations were suspended in the morning as the currents turned faster. The operation will be resumed in the afternoon when the currents are expected to be slower.

Climatic conditions were forecast to be worsened as it is expected to rain from Saturday night, accompanying strong wind.

Wind was blowing at a speed of 7.6 meters per second in the area, and waves were as high as 60 centimeters in the morning before rising to over 1 meter later.