Media files from smartphones of Sewol ferry victims have been successfully restored, said the Sewol Ferry Investigation Committee on Friday.

The committee said that at least two mobile phones found inside the wrecked ship could be used to aid the investigation into the cause of the disaster.

Victims on Sewol Ferry Disaster. /VCG Photo

According to the investigation committee, 142,162 photos, 2,952 text messages, eight videos and 409 voice files have been successfully restored with the help of forensic experts. The discovery of smartphones drew great attention from investigators as well as victims’ families, given that the files reveal details of the victims' last moments.

The discovery of smartphones drew great attention from investigators and victims’ families. /VCG Photo

The Sewol ferry disaster occurred on the morning of 16 April 2014, on the route from Incheon to Jeju in South Korea. A total of 304 people died in the disaster, most of whom were high school students on a school excursion. 

The ferry’s sinking resulted in widespread criticism of the captain and the crew within South Korea. Many said the actions of the captain were the main reason for the disaster. Three years later, the wreckage was finally raised from the bottom of the sea and more and more personal belongs were found.