A ferry boat sailing between Yantai and Dalian caught a fire
Monday, but all 698 passengers and 47 crew members in the boat were
rescued safely, the Ministry of Transportation said Tuesday.
The passenger and cargo ferry Baohua caught fire at around 3 AM.
Monday in Bohai Bay, on its way from Yantai in east China's Shandong
Province to Dalian in northeast China's Liaoning
Province. It was about 40 nautical miles from Dalian Port at
the time. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The fire, which broke out in the boat's car compartment, was
brought under control four hours later.
Liu Gongcheng, deputy director of the maritime department of the
ministry, said the successful rescue indicated the improved ability
of China's maritime rescue operations.?
According to the ministry, there are 26 rescue boats on duty
during the golden week following May Day Holiday. When the fire
broke out, the rescue boat, Beihai Rescue 159, was on patrol not
far away from the Baohua. It reached the site in 27 minutes.
"The cooperation of air, land and sea rescue teams have also
contributed to the success of the rescue," said the
ministry.?
(Xinhua News Agency May 4, 2005)