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S. Korean rescue vessel heads to Bering Sea where 27 died

December 11, 2014
This photo shows an accident site where a South Korean fishing ship sunk off the coast of the Russian Far East on Dec. 1, 2014. (Yonhap)

This photo shows an accident site where a South Korean fishing ship sunk off the coast of the Russian Far East on Dec. 1, 2014. (Yonhap)

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A South Korean vessel is on pace to arrive Friday in the west Bering Sea, where a fishing ship sank, killing at least 27 people.

The commander of the U.S. Coast Guard in Alaska, Rear Adm. Dan Abel, said the Sambong was moving toward the area faster than expected.

The Coast Guard has been on the scene and involved in the search effort since Dec. 1. It plans to remain involved in search and rescue planning once South Korean officials take over.

South Korea also is basing search planes out of Joint Base Elemendorf-Richardson in Anchorage.

Seven people survived the sinking of the Oryong 501. Abel said the remains of 27 people have been recovered, while another 26 remain unaccounted for.