A motor boat sank on Zhuhe River in Ziyang County of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, killing five students. It is estimated nine others are still missing.

 

The accident occurred around 3:40 p.m. Friday when the boat carrying students from Xiangyang Village Middle School suddenly sank on its way to Wafangdian of Shaanxi.

 

Rescuers rushed to the site upon receiving the accident report. By 10:00 p.m. Friday, 12 students were saved and corpses of five others found. Rescue efforts are still proceeding.

 

Specific number of students on board the boat when the accident took place is currently unavailable. Causes are under investigation.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 18, 2004)