U.S. President Barack Obama said that his heart breaks to see South Koreans suffer the tragic ferry accident that left nearly 300 people missing.

Pledging Washington’s full support for Korea’s search-and-rescue efforts, Obama mentioned that the U.S. military would provide all assistance requested by Seoul.

“On behalf of all the American people, Michelle and I send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic ferry sinking off the coast of the Republic of Korea,” Obama said in a statement. “Our hearts ache to see our Korean friends going through such a terrible loss, especially the loss of so many young students.”

Obama is expected to visit Korea next Friday.

By Um Yoon-sun (uys@heraldcorp.com)