Storm delays search for South Korean sailors

Stormy conditions forced South Korea’s military to suspend the search for 46 sailors missing since a mysterious blast blew apart their navy ship last week, officials said today.

The suspension comes a day after a diver died during the rescue mission.

Defence ministry spokesman Won Tae-jae told reporters that divers could not go down to the wreckage of the Cheonan due to the prospect of rain, high winds and a swift current.

Military officials say the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear. US and South Korean officials say there is no evidence of North Korean involvement.

North Korean officials in the Chinese town of Dandong have denied Pyongyang’s involvement in the blast, the Yonhap news agency said.