Beijing, China – Chinese and Vietnamese rescue teams have successfully rescued 46 crew members from a Vietnamese cargo ship that sank in the South China Sea, while the search continues for several missing individuals amidst challenging sea conditions.
Chinese authorities reported that the Vietnamese cargo ship sank near Yongshu Reef in the Nansha Islands after encountering rough weather, prompting distress calls that were promptly responded to by Chinese and Vietnamese rescue teams.
Authorities explained that rescue teams managed to pull dozens of sailors from the sea and transfer them to rescue vessels, where they received necessary medical care. Helicopters and specialized ships participated in the search for the remaining crew members.
According to initial information, the vessel, named “Khoe Nguyen 18,” was carrying 62 people at the time of the accident. Forty-six have been rescued so far, while a number of sailors remain missing. Search operations are ongoing in the area surrounding the sinking site.
Authorities confirmed that the Chinese rescue vessel Nanhai Jiu 115 played a key role in rescuing the survivors before transferring them to the Vietnamese naval vessel Truong Sa-01, as part of coordinated efforts between the Chinese and Vietnamese sides.
Rescue teams, comprising several ships and helicopters from both countries, are continuing search operations in the area, while authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. It is widely believed that rough weather and high waves were the primary factors that led to the sinking.
