US Navy to join search for passengers missing from South Korean ferry

The US Navy has sent a ship to join the search-and-rescue operation for more than 300 passengers missing after a South Korean ferry capsized on Wednesday.

The US Seventh Fleet said the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard, which has helicopters on board, was on a routine patrol off South Korea's west coast and was on its way to the scene of the accident.

(Reporting by Jack Kim; Editing by Paul Tait)