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U.S. Sends Ship to South Korea Ferry Disaster

The United States said Wednesday it was sending a ship to the area where nearly 300 people are missing after a South Korean ferry, carrying hundreds of schoolchildren sank.

White House spokesman Jay Carney said the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard headed to the area where the ferry went down.

He also offered thoughts and prayers to the victims of the tragedy, which came just over a week before President Barack Obama is due to visit Seoul.

He said Washington was ready to provide its ally with "any assistance" needed.

The 6,825-tonne multi-deck Sewol, carrying 462 people, capsized and sank off the coast of the southern holiday island of Byungpoong on Wednesday.

National disaster agency officials in South Korea said 174 people had been rescued, leaving 284 "unaccounted for."

Four people have been confirmed dead but there are concerns the death toll could rise sharply.

Source: Agence France Presse


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