The ill-fated ship is called the "Eastern Star". [Special coverage]
The ship is over 76 meters long, and 11 meters wide and weights 2,200 tons. It is designed to be able to carry over 540 passengers.
Prior to this disaster, it was one of the best passenger ships in China, equipped with hi-tech navigation devices and entertainment facilities The ship was once praised by the Chinese Transport Ministry for its good performance and services.
The "Eastern Star" was owned by the Chongqing Eastern Shipping Corporation, which specialises in tourist routes in the popular Three Gorges river canyon region.
The company was founded in 1967 and now has five luxury passenger vessels operating in China.
