Guangzhou, China—A passenger ferry capsized in a busy Guangdong waterway early today, leading to the confirmed deaths of six people. The vessel, which was carrying commuters across the river, reportedly lost stability and flipped in the water shortly after departing from the terminal.

Emergency rescue teams were deployed immediately, arriving at the scene within minutes of the distress call. Divers have been searching the murky depths of the waterway to recover those thrown overboard. Several passengers were pulled from the water alive, but others remained trapped inside the submerged cabin.

Local maritime authorities have cordoned off the section of the river to facilitate the recovery operation. The cause of the capsizing remains under investigation, with early reports suggesting the vessel may have been overloaded or struck by a sudden shift in current. Officials are now questioning the captain and the terminal operators.

The waterway is a major transit route for local residents, and the incident has caused significant disruption to public transport services. Commuters gathered at the riverbank throughout the morning, watching as crane-equipped barges arrived to attempt the stabilization of the overturned hull.

Regional government spokespeople confirmed the casualty count by midday, noting that the search and rescue efforts are being hampered by poor visibility underwater. The river is currently experiencing high flow rates, which complicates the movement of rescue vessels and diver safety.

Families of the passengers have congregated at the local port office, seeking news of those who were aboard. Crisis counselors have been brought in to manage the distress, while local police maintain a presence to keep the area clear for emergency equipment.

The ferry operator is now facing intense scrutiny regarding the maintenance and safety inspection records of the vessel. Investigators are looking for evidence of negligence or failure to adhere to passenger weight limits. The company has not yet provided a statement regarding the mechanical status of the ferry.

The search operation is ongoing as the sun begins to set. Authorities have stated that they will continue to scour the area for missing individuals, though expectations for finding further survivors are low given the time elapsed since the sinking.