Maritime safety authorities have deployed some of the Yangtze’s largest tugs to be on standby round the clock for possible emergencies in the Gezhouba Dam area, according to the Three Gorges Administration of Navigational Affairs.

Officials say that the main flood season is within sight and that currents between the Three Gorges and Gezhouba dams are swift and irregular, which might cause passing vessels to lose control. The ‘Yangtze 02031’, one of the tugs being deployed with a 2,640 horsepower, will be able to help in times of need.