South Korean lawmakers pass resolution to salvage Sewol ferry

South Korean lawmakers on Thursday passed a resolution that calls for the salvaging of the sunken Sewol ferry, which has been demanded by family members of the victims and survivors.

During a regular session, 161 lawmakers voted in favor of the resolution, two against, and two abstained.

According to the resolution, raising the Sewol ferry is the way of healing the scarred hearts of people and all victims, including the missing, survivors and bereaved families, from the disaster.

Lawmakers urged the government to rapidly reach a final conclusion on the salvage plan and launch the work.

Family members of the victims and survivors have demanded the rapid salvaging of the vessel as they believed it will help get to the bottom of the sinking.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries estimated the recovering of the Sewol would cost about 120 billion won (110 million U.S. dollars). The costs could grow under bad weather conditions.

South Korea marks the first anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster on Thursday, which claimed lives of more than 300 passengers.

Nationwide memorial services would be held by about 300 private organizations and local governments to mourn for the victims.