Beijing: Maritime agency records show the cruise ship that capsized in the Yangtze River with more than 450 people aboard had been cited for safety violations two years ago.
Authorities in Nanjing held the Eastern Star and five other Yangtze cruise vessels for violations found during a safety inspection campaign.
The report on the city's Maritime Safety website provided only sketchy details. Among the dozens of violations it found were practices such as failing to use the ship's automated identification systems. The report didn't break down the violations by individual vessel or say who owned the other vessels.
Authorities are bound to scrutinize the Eastern Star's safety record and that of its owner, Chongqing Eastern Shipping Corp., as they investigate why the ship capsized late Monday, leaving more than 420 people unaccounted for. Police have detained the ship's captain and chief engineer, who were among the few survivors.
Chongqing Eastern Shipping is one of China's oldest pleasure cruise companies, struggling to compete with newcomers offering much fancier accommodations.
