A rescue operation is currently underway following the capsizing of a cruise ship along China's Yangtze River, local authorities are reporting. According to multiple reports, the ship capsized after crossing paths with a violent cyclone sometime around 9:30 p.m.
More than 400 passengers were aboard the ship, most of them over the age of 50. According to People's Daily China, the rescue operation has yielded 12 survivors and 5 confirmed fatalities thus far — meaning hundreds of passengers are currently missing. The ship's captain and chief engineer are among those rescued, CCTV reports.
Rescue operations were originally complicated severely due to the tumultuous weather in the area, though the vigor of current operations seems to imply Chinese authorities are taking full advantage of all available methods as the weather continues to improve.
More to come.
