U.S. President Barack Obama said that “on behalf of all the American people, Michelle and I send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic ferry sinking off the coast of the Republic of Korea.
"Our hearts ache to see our Korean friends going through such a terrible loss, especially the loss of so many young students," he said in a statement. The Republic of Korea is official name of South Korea.
Obama said the United States will provide full support for the rescue efforts.
Chinese President Xi Jinping extended his "deep condolences" to the victims and the families of people who remain missing.
In a letter to President Park Geun-hye, Xi said he was deeply concerned about the tragedy, adding that China is ready to provide any assistance to South Korea.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said that “my thoughts are with all the bereaved families and their relatives and friends, and those people still waiting for news of their loved ones.
"The British government is ready to offer any assistance we can to the Korean government at this tragic time," Hague said in a statement.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com