Two killed following vessel collision in Hunan, China

China's Xinhua New Agency reports that two people are confirmed dead while 14 others have gone missing after a collision between two vessels in Hunan Province in Central China on Tuesday, February 25.

The collision between the two vessels, which have been identified as a passenger boat and and an oil spill recovery vessel, occurred at around 10:00 local time on the portion of the Yuanshui River that passes through Qinglang Township in Hunan's Yuanling County.

Provincial emergency response officials said the passenger boat capsized and sank due to the force of the impact, and 19 occupants fell overboard as a result, whereas all crewmembers on the spill recovery vessel are accounted for.

Rescuers have pulled three survivors and two deceased victims from the river. The survivors are recuperating in hospital and are reportedly in stable condition.

Over 10 boats and 60 personnel are participating in the search for the 14 missing occupants of the passenger boat.

Local authorities have since begun an investigation into the tragedy.