South Korea ferry disaster: student victims 'were steps from emergency decks'

A woman tried to throw a shoe but was restrained by a court guard. Another rose to ask yet again what has been asked repeatedly during the trial - whether the crew would have done the same if it had been their children obeying orders and waiting in their cabins.

Survivors of Sewol ferry sinking return to school, Ansan, South Korea on 25 June 2014 (Rex)

"You may have sneaked out and may live a little longer, but you will all die one day," a sign held by a father said.

Lawyers for the defence have argued that it was up to the coastguard to rescue the passengers because its rescuers would have had better equipment and training.

Lee Joon-seok (R), captain of the ferry Sewol, arrives at the Gwangju District Court in Gwangju City, South Jeolla Province, South Korea (EPA)

The prosecution claim came as an interim government report found that official negligence and corruption contributed to the April 16 sinking.

The South Korean government's audit and inspection board said that the regional port administration had granted the ferry's license despite the fact the vessel had been illegally converted and that proper safety checks had not been carried out by the state agency responsible.

The report also said the coast guard botched its rescue operations, missing a crucial window to help passengers, issuing confused orders and failing to maintain proper communication with the Sewol.

Eleven government officials have been referred to prosecutors on corruption charges and dozens more face possible legal action.

The disaster resulted in the death of 304 passengers, of which only 293 bodies have been recovered. The search for the remaining 11 has been called off with the approach of a powerful typhoon towards Japan.

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South Korea ferry disaster: student victims 'were steps from emergency decks'