South Korean ferry crew sought assistance as vessel started to list badly before sinking
Conversations between crew and Jeju Vessel Traffic Services Centre reveal ferry started to disappear beneath the waves in a matter of minutes
The following transcript of radio communications between the badly listing passenger ferry Sewol and the Jeju Vessel Traffic Services Centre took place shortly before the vessel sank on Wednesday.
Officials said on Friday 179 survivors had been recovered but about 270 passengers remain unaccounted for.
It starts with the first distress call made by the ferry:
Radio conversation on VHF Channel 12
8.55am
Sewol: Harbour Affairs Jeju, do you have reception of The Sewol?
Jeju VTS: Yes, Sewol, this is Harbour Affairs Jeju
Sewol: Please notify the coast guard. Our ship is in danger. It’s listing right now.
8.56am
Jeju VTS: Where’s your ship? Yes, got it. We will notify the coast guard.
Sewol: The ship has listed a lot. Can’t move. Please come quickly.
Sewol: We’re next to Byeongpung Island.
Jeju VTS: Yes, we got it.
8.58am
Jeju VTS: Sewol, this is Harbour Affairs Jeju. Do you have reception? Sewol, Harbour Affairs Jeju.
8.59am
Sewol: Harbour Affairs Jeju, this is Sewol
Jeju VTS: Sewol, this is Harbour Affairs Jeju. Channel 21, please.
Radio conversation on VHF Channel 21.
9.00am
Jeju VTS: Sewol, this is Harbour Affairs Jeju.
Sewol: Jeju, Sewol here.
Jeju VTS: what’s the current situation?
Sewol: Currently the body of the ship has listed to the left. The containers have listed as well.
Jeju VTS: OK. Any damage of the human life?
Sewol: It’s impossible to check right now. The body of the ship has tilted, and it’s impossible to move.
Jeju VTS: Yes, OK. Please wear life jackets and prepare as the people might have to abandon ship.
Sewol: It’s hard for people to move.
Jeju VTS: Yes, got it.
Radio conversation on VHF Channel 12
9.05am
Sewol: Harbour Affairs Jeju, do you have reception of Sewol?
Jeju VTS: Yes, this is Harbour Affairs Jeju, Sewol
Sewol: What’s going on with the coast guard?
Jeju VTS: Yes, we have notified the coast guard. Currently we are calling Jindo VTS and Wando VTS. Please hold for a moment.
After this, Jeju VTS notified other ships and Wando VTS.
