22 people drowned on Sunday

A total of 22 people were drowned while enjoying swimming in rivers and seasacross the nation Sunday alone.

Of them, 19 were found dead, and three others were missing, the National Police said yesterday.

The 19 victims included four elementary school pupils, who were taking part in a summer camp program arranged by a Puchon church in Puchon City, Kyonggi-do.

The ill-fated children were Song Hye-rim, 10, and her younger brother Won-jong, 8, Chong Min-son, 11, and Lee Chi-yong, 11.

The children were enjoying swimming in the Namhan River below the Ipo Bridge in Chonsa-ri, Taesin-myon, Yoju-kun, at about 6 p.m. when they were drowned, police said.