Dead Chinese found on beach in Madagascar

By Chen Qian  |   2008-7-15  |     ONLINE EDITION

THE bodies of a Taiwan businessman and an overseas Chinese were found on a beach in Madagascar yesterday after their fishing boat sank three days earlier, Xinhuanet.com reported today.

Liu Shou-chih, the businessman, and Li Bo of Heilongjiang Province were found dead on a beach 80 kilometers from St. Mary's Island, where they started, the report said, citing Xu Jinlong, Chinese consul in Madagascar.

An earlier report from Xinhua News Agency said eight Taiwanese, one overseas Chinese and six crew members took a boat on July 10 to inspect a commercial fishing ground off the northeastern coast of Madagascar. But they soon lost contact with their families.

It quoted Xu Jinlong as saying the boat sank after reporting engine problems. Two crew members had been rescued, but everyone else on board was listed as missing as of yesterday.

Rescue teams are still searching for the other 11 people that were on the boat.

St Mary's Island is a popular scenic spot and about 500 kilometers from the capital city Antananarivo.