As the search and rescue operation for the still missing passengers of a South Korean ferry that capsized continued Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang joined other world leaders in sending their condolences to their counterparts in South Korea.

Xi, in a message conveyed to South Korea's President Park Geun-hye, said the Chinese government and its people are mourning the death caused by the sinking of the passenger ferry "Sewol", which was carrying mostly young students.

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The Chinese president said the government is closely monitoring the search and rescue operation and told President Park that China is ready to provide support and assistance when requested by the South Korean government, as he stressed that the people of China and South Korea enjoy profound friendship.

Premier Li also sent condolences to the South Korean people through his counterpart in the country, Chung Hong-won, and expressed sorrow of the severe accident that has already claimed 29 lives.

The ferry was on its way to Jeju Island when it started to list and eventually capsized with 475 people onboard. Three Chinese nationals have been confirmed among the missing passengers. A fourth Chinese citizen was reported but the Chinese Embassy in South Korea has not confirmed it yet.

On Friday, South Korean coast guard and navy divers managed to enter the hull of the sunken ferry. Authorities said the divers were able to secure a path towards the dining room and discovered various passages that brought them into the hull.

Most of the 267 who are still missing were believed to be trapped inside the vessel. Additional survivors, aside from the 179 that were rescued a few hours after the tragedy, have not been found yet.