The ferry was on route from Incheon to the Island of Jeju when it sank

As many as 300 people are missing following a ferry disaster off the coast of South Korea.

The vessel, named Sewol, was carrying 459 people, mainly school students, when it capsized on route from the port of Incheon, in the north-west, to the southern resort island of Jeju.

Three fatalities have been confirmed by local authorities, with a major rescue effort underway.

A further 13 injuries have been reported, with more than 150 people pulled to safety.

Dozens of military and civilian ships and helicopters are involved in the rescue, with survivors taken to a nearby island.

The ferry sank two hours after issuing a distress call, with the causes of the disaster still unclear.

The 146m-long ferry serves the route twice as week and has a capacity of 900 people.

Many of those on board are believed to be from Danwon High School in Ansan, a suburb of Seoul.