As Korean Ferry Sank, Some Crew Members Fought To Save Lives
With the death toll continuing to rise and likely to exceed 300, the captain and crew of the ferry that sank off the coast of South Korea last week have been called cowards and accused of murder.
Now, though, we're also hearing about the heroic acts of some among the 29-member crew — seven of whom are either confirmed to have died or are missing.
"Passengers recall moments of quiet bravery from the crew," The Associated Press reports.
One passenger, Koo Bon-hee, 36, told the wire service "that there were not enough life jackets for everyone in the area on the third floor where he and others waited. So crew members — two men and two women — didn't wear any so that all the passengers could have one."
South Korea's Yonhap News writes that on Tuesday in Incheon:
"Families and friends gathered for the funeral of 22-year-old crew member Park Ji-young. The story of Park's heroic attempts to save other passengers has been widely covered in the local media, prompting online calls for her designation as a martyr.
"When asked by a student why she wasn't putting on a life jacket, Park reportedly replied that the crew should be the last to leave the ship and assured the student that she would make her way out after helping the passengers to safety."