Divers now recover bodies at a steady pace from the sticken Sewol ferry off the southwestern coast of South Korea.

Two giant floats serve as markers of the sunken hull.

Only 174 passengers were rescued after Wednesday's fatal accident.

Hundreds --mostly school children -- are still missing, presumed dead.

The death toll is continually updated.

(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) SOUTH KOREAN COAST GUARD OFFICIAL KO MYUNG-SUK SAYING:

"(The rescue team) have retrieved more bodies so the death toll is 108 as of 1500 (local time).".

The ferry turned over and sank within two hours. It is not yet clear why.

Divers have reached many of the cabins in the hull. Although they're still trying to get into the restaurant, where many of the passengers were believed to be trapped.

Rescuers say they'll keep searching for now but the cranes stand ready, as the operation to bring the hull to the surface will begin in two days.