Ban saddened by passenger ship accident in China

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today expressed his sadness over a ship accident that occurred last night in China, reportedly resulting in major casualties.

“The Secretary-General is deeply saddened to learn of the major loss of life as a result of a passenger ship accident on the Yangtze River in China”, reads the statement made available by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson in New York.

According to media reports, 458 people were aboard the Eastern Star, a chartered cruise ship, when it was struck by a violent rainstorm.

“The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families of the victims and also sends his deep sympathies to the Government and people of China. He fervently hopes more survivors will be found”, added the statement.