The mayor of Kingston has sent out a message of support to South Koreans in the borough after a ferry sank in the region.

The ship named Sewol capsized earlier this week carrying 475 people.

Rescuers have desperately been trying to help survivors.

Kingston mayor Penny Shelton is seen reading a prepared speech in the minute-long Youtube video released today.


 

She said: “I know there are many residents in New Malden and other parts of the borough will have connections to family or friends in South Korea who have directly or indirectly been affected by this tragedy.

“Our thoughts, sympathy and support are with you all in these sad times.”

Liberal Democrat Kingston and Surbiton MP Edward Davey tweeted: “Thinking about and praying for the Korean families who have lost loved ones in the ferry disaster or who are waiting anxiously to hear.”

Conservative leader Howard Jones wrote on Facebook: “Our prayers at this sad time for our Korean community and the families of those involved in the tragedy unfolding.”