Prosecutors raided offices of the operator of a sunken ferry and its affiliates yesterday as they try to expand the probe into the cause of the deadly accident.

Investigators from the Incheon District Prosecutors’ Office raided Chonghaejin Marine Co., the Sewol’s operator as well as some 20 offices of its affiliates and a religious group that is linked to the company.

Last week’s ferry sinking is well likely to be recorded as the country’s worst maritime disaster. Of the 476 people on board, 174 people survived while 159 have been confirmed dead and 143 people still missing.

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