Chances of finding lost Russian tourists in China alive increase

Catamarans belonging to six Russian tourists missing in the north-west of China have been found, but the search for the sportsmen continues. Russia’s Emergencies Ministry says the find has dramatically increased chances of finding them alive.

The vessels were found on two banks of the Yurungkash River, 45 kilometers away from the group's starting point. Over 1,000 people, including police, military and local residents, are taking part in the search operation.

The latest find means the size of the search zone for Russian emergencies ministry units and aircraft sent to the area to help can be reduced.

“The find dramatically increases our chances of finding the people alive. Unfortunately, the vessels were found on different shores. This means one group went to the South and the other to the North,” said Andrey Legoshin from Russia’s Emergencies Ministry.