South Korean ferry operator held amid overloading claims

South Korean police have detained for questioning the head of the company that owned the ferry that sank last month.

Prosecutors said they believe that Kim Han-sik, president of Chonghaejin Marine Company, was aware the ship was three times over its cargo limit but failed to do anything about it before the ill-fated voyage.

As he was taken into custody, Han-sik apologised for the tragedy, saying he had committed a “grave sin”.

If formally charged, he will be accused of involuntary manslaughter over the sinking, which left more than 300 people dead or missing.

All 15 surviving crew members involved in the ferry’s navigation have been arrested, accused of negligence and failing to protect passengers.