Speculation abounds over cause of China's Eastern Star ferry disaster

The Dongfangzhixing, or Eastern Star, was carrying more than 450 passengers and crew when it capsized in the Jianli section of the Yangtze River in Hubei province on Monday night.

As rescue workers continue searching for survivors, the public is seeking answers to what caused one of the mainland's worst maritime disasters.

The State Council has repeatedly reassured family members it will launch a comprehensive investigation into the accident.

Satellite data suggests the cruise ship made a 108-degree turn at about 9.20pm.

Marine equipment expert Professor Yao Zhenqiu, of Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, was quoted by news portal The Paper as saying the ship could have capsized after losing stability. A sudden U-turn can destabilise a vessel.

The Chutian Metropolis Daily reported that Eastern Star's captain was about to drop the anchor to stabilise the ship before it capsized. By then, all other ships in the vicinity had already done so amid bad weather conditions.