South Korean authorities faced a deluge of criticism Wednesday for announcing that human remains had been found from the sunken Sewol ferry, only to correct itself within hours to say they were animal bones. Newspapers said relatives of the missing had been put through “heaven and hell”, and
Seoul (AFP) – South Korean authorities faced a deluge of criticism Wednesday for announcing that human remains had been found from the sunken Sewol ferry, only to correct itself within hours to say they were animal bones.
Newspapers said relatives of the missing had been put through “heaven and hell”, and accused the maritime ministry of recklessness.
Nine of the 304 people killed nearly three years ago in one of the South’s worst maritime disasters have never been found.
Salvaging the wreck in one piece — finally achieved in a complex operation last week — had been a key demand of their families, who say they have been unable to mourn properly.
The maritime ministry raised their hopes Tuesday when it said that human remains had been found by workers and were “suspected to be one of the missing victims”.
Little more than five hours later it withdrew the assertion, saying the pieces had been confirmed to be seven animal bone fragments.
Citing forensic experts, Yonhap news agency said they were from pig legs.
