Chongqing Eastern Shipping Corp, to which the capsized ship belongs, apologizes late on June 5. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

SHIP OPERATOR RESPONDS

Chongqing Dongfang Shipping Company, which owns the Eastern Star and four other cruise ships on the river, has been ordered to examine its shipping business following the tragedy, but no official investigation of the company has been mooted.

Tan Yuping, head of the company's technological department, said the Eastern Star has a sound safety operation record. She was launched in 1994 as a vessel for passenger transport, converted into a cruise ship 1997 and put into service after passing standard industry tests.

The Eastern Star's annual safety inspection on April 16 found survival equipment on the vessel met requirements.