More countries send condolences over China's cruise ship accident

The capsized ship has been righted on Friday. The tragic accident happened on Monday night when the vessel turned over "within one or two minutes" of being caught in a tornado in Jianli section of Yangtze River in Hubei province, according to the ship's captain and chief engineer, who both survived the incident. [Photo by Chen Zhuo/for chinadaily.com.cn]

BEIJING - More countries sent condolences to China as confirmed casualties rose from the tragic cruise ship accident on the country's largest river.

The latest official figure put the death toll from the capsized ship on the Yangtze River Monday night at 82. Of more than 450 people on the Eastern Star, 96 people have been found, including 14 survivors.

More than three days after the accident, hopes dwindled for others to be found alive, which could make the ship accident the deadliest in seven decades in China.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has sent condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"The Spanish people wish to show solidarity with the Chinese people at such difficult times," said Rajoy in a message.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop sent to her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi a letter of condolences.

"On behalf of the Australian government and the people of Australia, I wish to extend condolences for those who have lost their lives and to express sympathy to their families and all those affected by the tragic accident."

Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah sent messages of condolences to President Xi, Premier Li Keqiang, as well as the Chinese government and people.

The Philippine government extended Thursday its sympathy to China and its people.

"The Filipino nation shares the grief of the Chinese government and people during this difficult time," the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

Nepali President Dr Ram Baran Yadav, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and Foreign Minister Mahendra Bahadur Pandey have expressed heartfelt condolence on the loss of lives and many other missing.

The Vietnamese and Ethiopian governments also sent over their condolences.

The search and rescue team started to right the capsized cruise ship on the Yangtze River Thursday night. Officials said every cabin of the cruise ship will be searched.