South Korean ship sinks with 104 crew members

SEOUL - A South Korean Navy ship carrying 104 crew members was sinking in the Yellow Sea late Friday, Yonhap news agency reported, amidst uncertainty about whether the mishap was an accident or the result of a military skirmish.

The 1,500-tonne ship was sinking near the island of Baengnyeong, which is near North Korea but controlled by South Korea, said officials cited by the agency.

South Korea’s government has convened a meeting of ministers with security portfolios, officials said. There were no immediate reports of casualties, though unsubstantiated statements said there had been an explosion near the rear of the ship.

The incident leading to the sinking is believed to have occurred between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. (1200 and 1300 GMT).