Society
Survivors of sinking boat arrive in New Zealand
Updated: 2010-12-24 09:09
(Xinhua)
WELLINGTON, New Zealand - The 20 survivors from the sinking of the South Korean fishing boat Insung No 1 in the Southern Ocean arrived in New Zealand South Island's southern port of Bluff on Thursday night.
|
The Chinese Embassy to New Zealand confirmed on Friday that among the 20 survivors are four Chinese seamen. The Chines embassy has provided the travel documents to the Chinese seamen.
The Insung No 1, with a crew of 42, sank in icy seas 2,700 km southeast of Bluff on Dec 13.
Five bodies and 20 survivors were found by nearby fishing ship while 17 crewmen were lost at sea. Four other Chinese seamen were among the 17 crewmen lost at sea.
It was not yet known how the ship sank but the vessel's owner has said it sank within 30 minutes, possibly after hitting an iceberg.
New Zealand Police would interview survivors on Friday as part of a coroner's inquiry.
The South Korean Maritime Authority officials would also be in Bluff to investigate the sinking.
Arrangements would be made to repatriate the dead and send survivors back home next week.
Insung No 1 had visited Bluff annually since December 2006 to take on stores as it headed to the Ross Sea to fish for Antarctic toothfish.
E-paper
Ear We Go
China and the world set to embrace the merciful, peaceful year of rabbit
Preview of the coming issue
Carrefour finds the going tough in China
Maid to Order
Specials
Mysteries written in blood
Historical records and Caucasian features of locals suggest link with Roman Empire.
Winning Charm
Coastal Yantai banks on little things that matter to grow
New rules to hit property market
The State Council launched a new round of measures to rein in property prices.