South Korea’s prime minister, who has resigned over the government’s handling of the ferry disaster, has blamed “deep-rooted evils” in society.<br /><br />Chung Hong-won said there had been many examples of irregularities and malpractice – and grieving families and public anger had persuaded him to take responsibility.<br /><br />On Sunday the number of bodies recovered stood at 188. But more than 100 people are still missing – and there is uncertainty over the precise number on board.<br /><br />There is also a large discrepancy over the amount of cargo the ship was carrying.<br /><br />Analysis of the crew’s communications messages have revealed confusion and indecision.<br /><br />All 15 surviving crew members involved in navigating the ferry are in custody, accused of negligence and failing to help passengers.<br /><br />The mourning goes on: many people queued on Sunday to pay their respects at Seoul city hall where an altar had been set up in front.<br /><br />But many parents will not be able to grieve properly until their children’s bodies are found.<br /><br />South Korea may have developed into a technological powerhouse – but the ongoing revelations from the ferry tragedy suggest that safety standards and regulatory controls have totally failed to keep pace.
