Hope of finding the 270 passengers still missing following the sinking of a ferry in South Korea is slowly fading as the ferry is now totally submerged, making it difficult for the Navy divers and coast guards to maneuver inside the wreckage.

South Korean coast guard divers resumed searching last Friday for passengers believed to be trapped inside the ferry that capsized off the waters of the country's southern coast. The death toll now stands at 29 people while 270 passengers are still unaccounted for, said South Korean authorities. Around 179 people have been rescued.

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South Korean Navy authorities said the death toll could rise any time as the ship is now submerged at 32 meters deep under freezing waters. Those trapped in the ship run the risk of experiencing hypothermia in a matter of hours, authorities said.

Several helicopters and ships have been mobilized in the search and rescue effort. The US has also sent one of its naval assault ships to provide support in the ongoing operation upon request.

espite the harsh weather conditions, the strong current, and the rains, divers continue to search the sunken ferry to find the 270 missing people, mostly students, who are believed to still be trapped in the ship.

Rescue attempts by divers have been difficult with the ship fully submerged and South Korean officials said they will try to salvage the ferry but they will have to get first the permission of the families, said coast guard Chairman Kim Jae-in said.

Cranes have been brought to the search site to be used in hoisting the ship but Navy officers said this will only be done after they get the approval of the families of those still missing.

Officials who requested anonymity said the lifting can endanger any survivors still trapped inside the sunken vessel.