President Obama on Thursday pledged that the U.S. will “provide any and all assistance” possible to help with search-and-rescue efforts in the waters off the South Korean coast, where a five-story ship capsized Wednesday and trapped nearly 300 people inside, many of whom were students.
As authorities search for survivors, the president said he and first lady Michelle Obama send their “deepest and heartfelt condolences” to the victims and their families.
“The bonds of friendship between the American and Korean people are strong and enduring, and our hearts ache to see our Korean friends going through such a terrible loss, especially the loss of so many young students,” Mr. Obama said. “South Korea is one of our closest allies, and American Navy personnel and U.S. Marines are already on the scene assisting with the search-and-rescue efforts … As the Korean people deal with this heartbreaking tragedy, they will have the unending support and friendship of the United States.”
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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