South Korea ferry: Transcript released of conversation between ship and shore

South Korea coast guard head to stricken passengers aboard the sinking ship (AFP/Getty Images)

A transcript of the final communications between the Jeju Vessel Traffic Services Centre on Jeju Island and the Sewol ferry which capsized on Wednesday with over 470 passengers on board has been released.

The transcript has been translated by The Associated Press and could provide evidence for claims that the call for help may have been made too late as the ship was listing so severely the caller could not move.

The transcript begins with the first distress calls made after the ship began listing.

Radio conversation on VHF (very high frequency) Channel 12

8.55 am

Sewol: Harbor affairs Jeju, do you have reception of The Sewol?

Jeju VTS: Yes, Sewol, this is Harbor affairs Jeju

Sewol: Please notify the coast guard. Our ship is in danger. It's listing right now.

8.56 am

Jeju VTS: Where's your ship? Yes, got it. We will notify the coast guard.

Sewol: The ship has listed a lot. Can't move. Please come quickly.

Sewol: We're next to Byeongpung Island.

Jeju VTS: Yes, we got it.

8.58 am

Jeju VTS: Sewol, this is Harbor affairs Jeju. Do you have reception? Sewol, Harbor affairs Jeju.

8.59 am

Sewol: Harbor affairs Jeju, this is Sewol

Jeju VTS: Sewol, this is Harbor affairs Jeju. Channel 21, please.

Radio conversation on VHF Channel 21.

9.00 am

Jeju VTS: Sewol, this is Harbor affairs Jeju.

Sewol: Jeju, Sewol here.

Jeju VTS: what's the current situation?

Sewol: Currently the body of the ship has listed to the left. The containers have listed as well.

Jeju VTS: OK. Any damage of the human life?

Sewol: It's impossible to check right now. The body of the ship has tilted, and it's impossible to move.

Jeju VTS: Yes, OK. Please wear life jackets and prepare as the people might have to abandon ship.

Sewol: It's hard for people to move.

Jeju VTS: Yes, got it.

Radio conversation on VHF Channel 12

9.05 am

Sewol: Harbor affairs Jeju, do you have reception of Sewol?

Jeju VTS: Yes, this is Harbor affairs Jeju, Sewol

Sewol: What's going on with the coast guard?

Jeju VTS: Yes, we have notified the coast guard. Currently we are calling Jindo VTS and Wando VTS. Please hold for a moment.

After this, Jeju VTS notified other ships and Wando VTS.