S. Korean president: Ferry captain’s actions ‘tantamount to murder’ --- MOKPO, South Korea — South Korean President Park Geun-hye castigated the captain and some crew members of a sunken ferry Monday, saying their actions in abandoning a vessel with hundreds of passengers aboard were “tantamount to murder.” -- Park’s comments came amid steady criticism about her government’s response to the disaster and a growing sense of fury in South Korea about alleged criminal incompetence aboard the ferry Sewol. -- The captain, Lee Joon-seok, was arrested Friday with two other crew members, and prosecutors said Monday that four additional crew members — two first mates, one second mate and an engineer — also have been detained. All face charges stemming from the quick abandonment of the ship and their failure to first assist passengers in evacuating. -- Officials said 104 had been confirmed dead by early Tuesday and 198 remained missing. -- As South Korea mourns and prepares for a long series of funerals, it is also grappling with an emerging criminal case that could sort out some of the responsibility for the disaster. Some South Koreans, though acknowledging the apparent irresponsibility of the crew, said Park’s comments were made prematurely and could complicate the already emotional proceedings. - More, Chico Harlan, - Wshingtonpost