China to help in search for sunken Malaysia tourist boat

World Today

Malaysian authorities are in a frantic search, trying to locate those still missing from a shipwreck.

CGTN’s Audrey Siek has the latest.

A sad and rough start to the holiday for these families. Most of the people aboard the boat were Chinese — on holiday for Spring Festival.

China is now working with Malaysian authorities to find the last several still missing.

Officials said the boat sank off Malaysia’s Sabah state along the coast of Borneo, and rough seas are to blame. But officials will also investigate whether the vessel was overloaded. Malaysia’s Maritime Rescue is leading the operation. Parts of its air force have also been
mobilized.

At least three bodies have been recovered, while more than 20 have been rescued.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for all-out search and rescue efforts. According to an official release issued Sunday, President Xi asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia to maintain close contact and cooperation with Malaysia.