For all students, we understand the feeling of not wanting to go to school, field trips, SAT classes, and any event that our parents want us to go to. That was the case for one of the students aboard on the Sewol ferry on April 16, who was coerced by her mother into attending a school field trip for the purpose of creating “long lasting memories with her friends.” This student is one of the hundreds of passengers missing after the unexpected disaster at sea. Parents, friends, and relatives wait in fear of the possible outcome that they might never see their loved ones again. On the other hand, they are terrified of the possibility that they will see a body they know on the cold, grim stretcher draped with a cloth.

With such a tragic accident in the 21st century, where technology is at its finest and ships sail around on a daily basis, the question of “whose fault is it?” arises. Why is it that in an age of technology, we are not able to locate and track these ships? Based on state media reports, the captain of the ship, Mr. Lee, faces charges of causing the ship to sink and failing to lead the passengers out of danger, thus leading them to their death or harm. If convicted of such charges, Mr. Lee will face up to 5 years to life in prison and full responsibility of the ship and its passengers.

At least 59 people have died in this accident and 243 are missing as of now.

Although it is easy to point fingers, we should not be exerting energy on who is to blame. The task at hand should be on locating as many individuals as possible.


Hopefully, the world will hear some positive news as 563 divers, 34 aircraft, and 204 ships aid in the search. This tragic event has brought together a nation in search efforts.