Beijing, Jun 6 (IANS): A total of 331 people have been confirmed dead after rescuers lifted Chinese cruise ship that capsized on the Yangtze river on June 1, authorities said on Saturday.
Only 14 people have been rescued out of 456 people on board the ill-fated ship, while another 111 people remain missing, rescue officials said.
The Eastern Star cruise ship, carrying 456 people onboard, was on a 11-day trip along the Yangtze River when it was overturned by a tornado on Monday (June 1) night in Jianli, Xinhua news agency reported.
Over 3,500 soldiers, 1,700 paramilitary personnel, along with 149 vessels, 59 machines and a helicopter have joined the rescue mission.
On Friday, one side of the ship was rolled above water which led to the finding of bodies.