KABUL: (Middle East Press) A Boat carrying 450 passengers aboard has sunk in the Yangtze River during a cyclone in southern China, state media reports on Tuesday, in what could be one of China’s worst disasters for years.
The incident happened on Monday at 9:28 p.m. (1328 GMT) when the ship was in route from the eastern city of Nanjing to the southwestern city of Chongqing, state broadcaster CCTV reported early on Tuesday.
State television showed a rescuer on the capsized hull with a blow torch, apparently preparing to cut into the ship, while dozens of rescue boats battled strong wind and heavy rain to reach the stricken vessel.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered that no efforts be spared in rescue work and Premier Li Keqiang was heading to the scene of the accident in central Hubei province, Xinhua said.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is reportedly traveling to the site of the incident.
Among those on board the ship were 406 tourists, aged from around 50 to 80, on a tour organised by a Shanghai tour group, and 47 crew members, the People’s Daily said.
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