Chinese authorities began an investigation Saturday into a ship collision on
the Yangtze River that left six person confirmed dead and 47
passengers still unaccounted for.
An investigation team, headed by Shan Chunchang, deputy director of the State
Administration of Work Safety (SAWS), has been tasked with finding the causes of
the accident and supervising salvage operations.
A passenger liner capsized on the Yangtze River on June 19 after colliding
with a freighter in a section of the river in southwestern Chongqing
Municipality.
The Yangtze River Three Gorges Shipping Co. passenger liner was sailing
downstream when it collided with a freighter heading upstream near Longqiao
town, Fuling district, at 7:55 a.m. on Thursday.
Initial reports released on June 19 by local authorities showed 23 dead or
missing.
But further investigation showed six person confirmed dead, 47
others still missing, and 12 confirmed survivors.
The passengers reportedly included students and vegetable sellers on their
way to market.
