DHAKA: A massive operation is underway off the coast of Jindo Island in South Jeolla province where a ferry carrying more than 450 passengers and crew sank on Wednesday, killing at least four people and leaving almost 300 still unaccounted for.

As of Wednesday night, 174 people were rescued and 284 still unaccounted for.

The four dead included a woman identified as 22-year-old Park Ji Young, a staff worker for the ferry company Chonghaejin Marine, and Jung Cha Woong, a student at Danwon High School.

The rescue operation involved elite navy divers as well as vessels and helicopters from the navy, coast guard, air force and the army.

Underwater search is expected to be in full swing early Thursday, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 2105 HRS, APR 16, 2014