Deep-sea submersible completes 300th dive

Jiaolong, China's manned deep-sea submersible, on Sunday completed its 300th dive since its maiden mission in August 2009.The underwater vehicle, with a crew of one scientist and two submariners, conducted the dive in the Western Pacific Ocean. It was the first of 18 planned dives in an ongoing scientific expedition. The vehicle was launched by China's Deep Sea No 1 research vessel, which left Qingdao, Shandong province, on Aug 10, with Chinese and foreign scientists aboard. During its 45-day expedition to the Western Pacific Ocean, Jiaolong is scheduled to collect deep-sea organisms, seawater and sediment, aiming to deepen humanity's understanding of the unique ecosystems and environments of seamounts.

3 dead, 3 missing after mine accident

Three people were killed and three others remained missing following a coal mine accident in Weixin county, Yunnan province, local authorities confirmed on Sunday. The accident, which took place at around 5:40 am on Sunday at a coal mine in Santao township, may have been the result of a gas explosion, according to the county's emergency management department. Rescue operations are underway at the site.

Joint maritime patrol held in Taiwan Strait

The Fujian Maritime Safety Administration and the East China Sea Rescue Bureau, both under the Ministry of Transport, conducted a joint maritime patrol and law enforcement operation in the Taiwan Strait over the weekend, China Central Television reported on Sunday. The operation was carried out by a patrol fleet consisting of three public vessels, lasted more than 30 hours and covered a total distance of 413 nautical miles from Saturday to Sunday, the report said. The operation aimed to enhance maritime traffic control and emergency rescue capabilities in the Strait, it said.

Torrential rain to hit multiple regions

Heavy rainfall will hit many parts of China's northern and southern regions in the next three days, the National Meteorological Center said on Sunday. Some areas in Hebei, Shandong and Liaoning provinces and the Inner Mongolia autonomous region will experience torrential rain, with precipitation exceeding 100 millimeters, according to the center. It urged the public to avoid dangerous locations, as downpours may lead to urban waterlogging and flash floods in mountainous areas.

Xinhua - China Daily