The death toll from a boat capsize in east China's Shandong Province rose to eight as another body was found on Sunday, local authorities said Sunday.

The accident happened at about 8:30 p.m. Friday in Weishan Lake, Weishan County, when a private boat capsized on the way to Weishan Island, according to a provincial work safety department official.

Eight passengers escaped. Some 130 boats participated in the rescue.

The temperature has dropped drastically and heavy winds have been whipping the lake in the past two days.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

(Xinhua News Agency January 25, 2009)