China tug boat sinking: MFA says body identification process is ongoing
Earlier today, Chinese authorities confirmed that 22 people have died after a tug boat undergoing sea trials sank in the Yangtze River.
Three people were rescued.
Out of the 25 people on board, four were Singaporeans.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that they have been informed about the fatalities.
The ministry also added that "the body identification process is ongoing" and that they are working closely with the Chinese authorities to provide assistance to the next-of-kin at the incident site.
The ministry said: "We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic incident."
Sembcorp Marine Ltd, a Singapore-based shipbuilder, said on Friday that its subsidiary, Jurong Marine Services Pte Ltd, had planned to charter the tug boat.
Jurong Marine staff were on board to witness a trial of the tugboat.
AFP reported the Shanghai authorities saying the boat was undergoing trials without properly completing the required procedures and without first reporting the condiiton of the ship, as required by regulations.
Related report: China confirms 21 dead in tug boat sinking - four Singaporeans were on board
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