A cruise ship, carrying more than 450 people, sank on the Yangtze River in China on Monday.
The New York Times reported that divers arrived on Tuesday from across China in hopes of saving the people believed trapped inside the hull of the capsized ship.
The ship, Dongfangzhixing (Eastern Star), sank at around 9:30 p.m. in the Jianli Province. The ship was leaving Nanjing, the capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, to southwest China's Chongqing city, reports Xinhuanet (Xinhua News Agency).
Xinhuanet also reports that eight people have been rescued. The captain and chief engineer, both rescued, blame the sinking on a cyclone.
This video shows the rescue effort. CCTV also stated that the ship is owned by Chongqing Eastern Shipping Corp.
Rescue diver describes efforts to save survivors from Yangtze River boat capsize https://t.co/6GIjCneJ8b
— CCTV America (@CCTV_America) June 2, 2015
As for other cruise lines sailing the Yangtze River, Victoria Cruises said in a statement that the heavy rains and wind have not interfered with The Victoria Sophia's navigation and the ship is sailing on schedule. The Victoria Sophia was downstream of the Eastern Star when the tradegy occured.
“Our hearts go out to the families of the 458 Chinese passengers as we pray for their safe rescue,” said James Pi, chairman of Victoria Cruises.