Ferry Collision on Yuanshui River Claims 11 Lives, 5 Missing

Ferry Collision Tragedy in China

A tragic ferry collision on the Yuanshui River in southern China's Hunan province has claimed the lives of at least 11 people, with five others still missing. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning when a small ferry carrying 19 passengers was struck from behind by a larger oil spill cleanup vessel.

The collision caused the ferry to capsize, throwing all passengers overboard. While nine people were rescued, five remain missing, and the search for them has been hampered by turbulent currents in the river. One survivor recounted his harrowing escape by breaking a ferry window with his foot.

The ferry served as the primary mode of transportation for residents of a nearby village, making the loss even more devastating. The collision occurred at a point where the river is over 60 meters deep and 500 meters wide, adding to the complexity of the rescue operation.

Hundreds of rescue personnel managed to salvage the ferry wreckage on Friday, while specialized teams equipped with sonar and diving equipment continue their underwater search. However, the challenging conditions, including turbulent currents near the riverbed, have hampered the search efforts.

The Chinese Ministry of Emergency Management has dispatched a special team to investigate the cause of the incident and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The oil spill recovery vessel involved in the collision has been docked, and three crew members have been detained and placed under investigation by police.

The ferry collision serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of water transportation and the importance of prioritizing safety measures. The ongoing search and investigation efforts aim to provide answers and ensure justice for the victims and their families.