Premier Li Keqiang returned on June 3 amid heavy rain to the scene of search and rescue operations following the capsizing of the river cruise ship Eastern Star which was hit by a cyclone on June 1 in the Hubei section of the Yangtze River at around 9:30 p.m.

Premier Li met with divers who searched for survivors for 24 hours and said that the rescue teams are carrying the hopes of an entire nation.

He praised the divers’ dedication and professionalism and said they should take care while doing dangerous work in challenging conditions, but no effort must be spared in their mission to save lives.