Missing Ferry Boy: "I'm Alive ... Please Save Us"

A missing ferry passenger's dad says his son has texted him saying: "I'm alive, there are students alive, please save us quickly."

More than 280 people are missing following Wednesday's tragedy, many of whom are thought to be school children.

Six people have been confirmed dead so far - including a male student, a female crew member and another unidentified man.

Coastguard and navy divers have resumed the search for victims of the disaster and it is hoped some have survived in airpockets in the ferry.

It comes as video footage emerged from inside the ferry apparently showing passengers in life jackets as the boat began to sink.

The South Korean Coastguard has 174 people have been rescued so far.

The ferry, with 462 people and 150 vehicles on board, was sailing to the southern island of Jeju when it sent a distress call at 9am local time (1am UK time) on Wednesday morning as it began listing to one side.

Meanwhile, family members of those on board have gathered at the Paengmok Port in Jindo.

Some have been taken on a ferry to the site of the sinking to monitor the rescue effort.

A number of relatives were seen fighting with officials after claiming rescue efforts were insufficient.

An official from the company that owns the ship apologised for the tragedy.

"I would like to say sorry to the passengers including a number of students and their parents, and promise that our company will do its best to minimise loss of life. We are sorry," said Kim Young-boong, from Chunghaejin Marine Corporation.