South Korean government approves plan to salvage Sewol Ferry

Since the incident, families of the victims have been demanding that the government make efforts to salvage the ferry from underwater not only to recover the bodies of the missing passengers but also to further investigate the cause of the sinking.

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Opposers questioned whether taxpayer money could be well spent than raising the sunken ship. However, supporters argued that hoisting the ship from the seafloor and further investigation into the cause of the sinking will help prevent future tragedies from occurring. 

The operation is expected to cost between $92 and $137 million and may take as long as 18 months.

Ministry officials specified that the government will first select a company to lift the ferry within two months and discuss details about the salvaging. Reports claimed that the operation will start as early as September.

So far, 295 bodies have been recovered in rescue efforts and nine bodies are still missing.