S Korea to break up coastguard after ferry disaster

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

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 the AFP 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. Read more