The Korean government worked against the clock.
It says it's making all efforts to get support from hospitals near the site as well as consular support from Hungary... for a prompt and effective search and rescue.
Kim Ji-yeon reports.
South Korea's foreign ministry has yet to officially identify the victims, including survivors, or still unaccounted for... which were mostly tourists on the Hableany or Mermaid operated by Hungary-based Panorama Deck.
The boat capsized on the Danube river Wednesday evening Hungary time, after crashing into a cruise ship called Viking River Cruise... of Sweden-origin that was heading for Slovakia.
The cruise ship in question is being held by Hungarian authorities for investigation.
Four officials from the foreign ministry left Seoul for Budapest Thursday afternoon.
A second team including officials from the National Fire Agency, Coast Guard and the National Intelligence Agency were dispatched Thursday evening... and the remaining experts leave for Budapest Friday.
All in all, a total of 39 officials and experts including the Korean Navy are planned to be sent to Budapest.
South Korean officials from nearby countries are reported to be heading to or arriving in Budapest to help with the operations.
It has already contacted the Hungarian authorities for consular and equipment support.
South Korea's foreign ministry said currently all efforts are focused on the rescue and search operation... spearheaded by the Hungarian national police agency chief... while vice-ministerial level officials are at the site supervising the operation.
The ministry has confirmed through a Hungarian diplomatic office that the passengers were not wearing life vests although they were available in the boat.
The ministry said the families of the passengers have all been contacted.
Questions on the cause of this incident... may take a while to be answered... or at least until hoisting up the sunken boat.
Kim Ji-yeon, Arirang News.
And, this just coming in... the first group of South Korean officials, experts and rescuers have arrived in the Hungarian capital. We'll have more updates for you in our later newscast.
