1st LD: Death Toll Climbs to 331 in Sunken Ship Tragedy

Jianli, Hubei (PNA/Xinhua) — The death toll from a Chinese cruise ship that capsized on the Yangtze River during freak weather has climbed to 331 as of 8 a.m. Saturday, after rescuers hoisted it on Friday afternoon.

Only 14 people have been found alive so far, while another 111 people remain missing, according to the rescue headquarters in Jianli, central China’s Hubei Province.

The Eastern Star cruise ship, carrying 456 people onboard, was on a 11-day trip along the Yangtze River when it was immediately overturned by a tornado on Monday night in Jianli.

More than 3,400 soldiers, 1,700 paramilitary people together with 149 vessels, 59 machines and a helicopter have joined in the rescue mission. (PNA/Xinhua) JBP/SSC