11 People Killed, 5 Others Missing After Oil Spill Cleaning Vessel Hits Ferry On

A devastating accident on the Yuanshui River in southern China has resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, with five others still unaccounted for. The incident occurred when a small ferry was struck by an oil spill cleaning vessel on Tuesday morning. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work to locate the missing passengers.

Details of the Collision

The collision took place in Hunan province, where the Yuanshui River measures over 60 meters (200 feet) deep and 500 meters (1,600 feet) wide. According to state media reports, a total of 19 people fell overboard during the crash. While three individuals were rescued on the same day, the search for the remaining passengers has been a priority for local authorities.

Rescue teams successfully salvaged the ferry on Friday night, as reported by Xinhua, and efforts to locate the missing individuals continue. Eyewitness accounts suggest that one survivor managed to escape the sinking vessel by breaking a window with his foot, highlighting the chaotic nature of the incident. A relative of the survivor noted that the ferry serves as a crucial transportation link for the local community.

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Investigation Underway

In the aftermath of the collision, the three crew members aboard the oil spill cleaning vessel, who were unharmed, are now under investigation by police. The authorities are working to determine the circumstances that led to the accident. As of now, there has been no official statement regarding the cause of the collision, and attempts to reach local government officials for further information have been unsuccessful.

Footage obtained by The Paper, a Shanghai-based newspaper, shows the larger oil spill cleaning vessel colliding with the ferry in calm waters, raising questions about the events leading up to the crash. The investigation aims to provide clarity on how such a tragic incident could occur.

Community Impact and Response

The ferry is not just a means of transportation; it is a vital lifeline for residents of the nearby village. The loss of life and the ongoing search for the missing have left the community in shock. Local officials are expected to provide updates as the situation develops, and support services are being mobilized to assist those affected by this tragedy.

As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on finding the missing individuals and understanding the factors that contributed to this catastrophic event. The community and authorities alike are grappling with the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident.