Stories of survivors in Eastern Star disaster

Wu Jianqiang, survivor [Photo/IC]

Wu Jianqiang, 58, tourist

"I might have died if my wife had not let go of my hands at the last moment," said Wu Jianqiang, who was the first person to call the police after the accident on Monday.

Wu and his wife, Li Xiuzhen, are from Tianjin. The two were aboard the Eastern Star for a package tour when the ship sank.

According to Wu, the couple was lying in bed holding hands together when the ship tilted. The bed then fell and trapped Li Xiuzhen.

Wu tried to pull his wife out but failed. "Let go!" Li shouted suddenly to Wu.

Shocked by his wife's request, Wu loosened his grip on his wife's hands and was then pushed outside by water. The ship was turned over completely at that moment.

Wu then swam for several minutes before he was saved.

His wife remains unaccounted for.