Vice-Premier Ma Kai said on June 6 that an in-depth investigation into the Eastern Star ship accident must be carried out and appropriate assistance must be given to the families of the victims in the aftermath of the disaster.

The ship, carrying 458 people, capsized and sank June 1 at around 9:30 pm after it was hit by severe weather in the Hubei section of the Yangtze River.

Ma said at a State Council meeting in Jianli county, Hubei province, that relevant departments and local governments should show their consideration and care when coping with various tasks arising from the accident.

He stressed that relevant parties should be responsible for solving the difficulties faced by the victims’ families and comforting them with psychological counseling.

In the meantime, the cause of the accident must be investigated, the vice-premier said.