PYONGYANG - The Central Committee of the Red Cross Society of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Wednesday sent a message of sympathy to the South Korean Red Cross over the April 16 ferry disaster of South Korea, the official KCNA news agency reported.

The message expressed deep sympathy regarding the sinking of the ferry "Sewol" in the waters off Jin Island, South Jolla Province, on April 16, the report said. The incident has claimed many casualties, including young schoolchildren, and many people are still missing.

The death toll rose to 150 on Wednesday as hundreds of divers searched the submerged vessel using guideline ropes.

The vessel carried 476 passengers, including 325 Danwon High School students and 14 teachers, when it capsized last Wednesday.