For more news and videos visit ☛ http://english.ntdtv.com
Follow us on Twitter ☛ http://twitter.com/NTDTelevision
Add us on Facebook ☛ http://me.lt/9P8MUn
A coal carrier has sunk in the Yangtze River in Wuhan City, stopping shipping for 3 hours. Improper operation appears to be the cause of the accident.
A coal carrier traveling along the Yangtze River sank Monday afternoon in Wuhan City, Hubei Province because of damage to its stern. Shipping along the river was suspended for three hours.
Incorrect operation appears to be the cause of the accident.
[Xia Xiangkai, Wuhan Maritime Safety Administration Director]:
"The carrier was going downstream through the narrowest section of the channel of Wuchang anchorage ground. Due to an improper operation, the ship's stern part collided with the ground, had the starboard damaged and let the water in."
The autumn rainy season washes a lot of mud and sand into the Yangtze, causing shallow waters to build up near Wuhan, significantly reducing the width of the waterway.
The ship—with 4500 tons of coal—was traveling downstream from Chongqing in Fengjie County when the accident happened.
Most of the crewmembers were in the water when a maritime safety administration boat reached the scene.
[Xia Xiangkai, Wuhan Maritime Safety Administration Director]:
"There are 11 crewmembers on the ship. We rescued five of them while the rest were rescued by other ships passing by."
The salvage of the ship and its cargo is in progress.
