DHAKA: The death toll from the disaster reached 431 on Sunday, with 11 still missing.

Chinese officials and rescuers bowed in mourning towards a battered cruise ship which capsized during a storm in the Yangtze river, reports the Times of India.

Only 14 survivors, one of them the captain, have been found after the ship carrying 456 overturned in a freak tornado on Monday night in Jianli in Hubei province. Most of the passengers were elderly tourists.

The four-storied ship was righted and raised on Friday, allowing rescuers onto it to clear away debris, break down cabin doors and look for the remaining missing. The river is being swept to as far away as Shanghai looking for the missing.

Government spokesman Hu Kaihong told reporters that DNA tests were being carried out to identify the bodies.

Sunday marks seven days since the Eastern Star went down, and according to Chinese tradition this a key date on which to mourn the dead.

State television showed rescue workers and government officials standing on a barge facing the Eastern Star, removing their hats and bowing their heads, as surrounding boats sounded their horns.

Families members will also gather near the river for ceremonies.


The company which operated the ship has apologized for the disaster and said it would ‘fully’ cooperate with the investigation. Beijing has pledged there would be ‘no cover-up’.

Police have detained the captain and chief engineer for questioning as part of the investigation. An initial probe found the ship was not overloaded and had enough life vests on board.

BDST: 1719 HRS, JUNE 07, 2015
BD/