Eastern Pearl, which has the same design and owner as the capsized Eastern Star, was suspended from service on Thursday, so that safety checks can be carried out.

Both vessels belong to Chongqing Eastern Shipping Corp, which has its headquarters in Chongqing's Wanzhou district.

After Monday night's disaster, the Yangtze River Administration of Navigational Affairs under the Ministry of Transport said the company must learn from the disaster and make a thorough check of all its vessels.