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Rescuers and families of those aboard the stricken South Korean car and passenger ferry that sank off the country's southwest coast on Wednesday haven't given up hope of finding more people alive among the hundreds unaccounted for.

The Sewol ran into trouble during the 14-hour journey from Incheon to the southern resort island of Jeju early Wednesday morning. About four hours from its destination, the ship was sailing in thick fog, which may have obscured the crew's vision. At 8.30 a.m. it appears as though the ship it struck a large rock, puncturing its hull.

Passengers described hearing a loud sound on impact and a experiencing sharp jolt. The ship tilted suddenly, causing luggage to fall from overhead storage shelves. Many people jumped into the frigid water as they realized the ferry was sinking.

The crew sent out a distress signal and nearby ships responded. But survivors say a message broadcast over the ship's PA system telling people to stay in place may have worsened the situation. One passenger said that even as water inside the ship began to rise they were told not to move. Others were rescued by fishing boats and military ships with helicopters which raced to the scene. Once the Sewol began taking on water it took just two hours to fully capsize.

In the panic and chaos, one highschooler identified only by her last name, Shin, texted her father: "Dad, don't worry. I've got a life jacket on and we're huddled together." Her father replied "I know the rescue has begun but make your way out if you can." Shin wrote back, "Dad I can't walk out, the corridor is full of kids and it's too tilted." Shin's name is not among the list of people rescued.

Witnesses say many people might still be alive, trapped within