Guan Dong receives an interview on June 4. (Photo: Xinhua/Hao Tongqian)
A diver with the Naval University of Engineering has been awarded the first-class merit citation for his outstanding contribution to the search and rescue mission following Monday's fatal ship accident on the Yangtze River.[Special coverage]
Guan Dong rescued two survivors from the capsized ship on Tuesday, and was almost sept away by the current after giving his own diving equipment to one of them, according to a statement released Thursday by the university, which is under the People's Liberation Army.
Another two divers, Xie Qifeng and Shi Boyan, were awarded second-class and third-class merit citations respectively.
There are 75 confirmed dead as of 3 p.m.. Only 14 survivors have been found.
The university's vice president Miao Yu called on all involved to stay strong throughout the difficult mission and intensify their efforts.
