OVERBOARD

Freak Weather Caused China Ship to Sink

According to inquiry into accident.

An investigation into the June sinking of a Chinese cruise ship on the Yangtze River found the incident happened because of “freak” strong winds and heavy rain. Nearly 450 people died when the Eastern Star capsized while traveling from Nanjing to Chongqing. The inquiry also named 43 junior officials as being partially responsible and recommended that authorities investigate the captain for possible criminal charges. The sinking was China’s worst ship disaster in more than six decades. Investigators said that while the ship had enough life vests on board for its passengers, the company managing it did not properly monitor their condition.