Latest: (LIVE report)

97 bodies recovered

Rescuers have recovered 97 bodies, CCTV reported.

Boats approach the sunken cruise vessel

Boats approach the sunken cruise vessel to help in the clean up and recovery operation.

[Photo/Weibo]

Ship rests on its bottom now

The ship has been turned 180 degrees and rests on its bottom now. Most parts of the hull is still in water. Rescuers will subsequently drain water from the ship before they enter the ship to carry out operation.

[Photo/jz.81.cn]

Top of the ship emerges from water

After a little over 8:30 am Friday, the top, the fourth and the third deck have emerged from water, Xinhua reported.

Ship being laid on its side

At 7:40 am Friday, the ship has been turned by 90 degrees and laid on its side and the four characters in Chinese "Eastern Star" could be seen. The blue hull has also emerged from water.

[Photo/Xinhua]

82 bodies recovered

By early morning Friday, 82 bodies have been recovered and 14 people found alive, CCTV reported.

Relatives of passengers may call the telephone number to get help: 0716-3387167, CCTV reported.