The excessively enlarged reconstruction of the ferry is thought to be the cause of the sinking accident, broadcasting said, clarifying that only one life boat out of 46 was unfolded at the time of the accident.

However, the Ship Classification Association had the ferry pass the examination and did not notify it to the maritime police in charge of control and the Ministry of Maritime Fisheries in charge of issuing of navigation licenses, the broadcasting said, and continued:

Several weak points were revealed in the security checkup before sailing.

Those concerned of the navigation did not properly examine the security checkup report worked out by the captain before sailing but approved the sailing, not confirming whether freights were fixed to the ferry or not.

There is increasing public criticism blaming this on the close relations between the Ministry of Maritime Fisheries and Mafia.

Ten out of 12 successive director generals of the marine transport cooperative in charge of the security control of vessels and eight out of 11 successive chairmen of the Ship Classification Association were retired officials of the Ministry of Maritime Fisheries.

Retired officials also hold the posts of chiefs of 10 places under the ministry, the broadcasting said, stressing that the close relations between them and incumbent officials are neutralizing the supervision power of the security control situation.