LIVE: Ship carrying 458 people sinks in Yangtze River

7:41 am: More than 20 people have been rescued

More than 20 people have been rescued, according to Xinhua News Agency. There were 458 on board, with 406 of them tourists.

7:34 am: Ship wreck is located

The ship wreck has been located in 15-meter-deep water, ifeng.com reported.

7:32 am: Most passengers are seniors aged 50-80

Most of the passengers are group tourists aged between 50 and 80 organized by a travel agency in Shanghai, according to the Yangtze River navigation administration.

7:20 am: Ship lies upside down

The ship capsized in just one or two minutes after being caught in a cyclone and lay upside down, according to the Yangtze River navigation administration. Most people onboard were about to sleep. It did not send out a distress call when the tragedy happened. The ship is submerged upside down and it is difficult to carry out rescue operation. 

Rescue operation is under way. [Photo by Chen Zhuo/Asianewsphoto]

7:04 am

Premier Li Keqiang is leaving for Jianli county of Hubei province to supervise the rescue operation. Officials who will go with him include Deputy Premier Ma Kai and State Councilor Yang Jing.

6:52 am

35 people have been rescued, ifeng.com reported.

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