Rescue teams are actively searching for 23 crew members missing from the Vietnamese cargo vessel Khoi Nguyen 18, which sank in the South China Sea near Kagitingan Reef.
The ship, carrying 62 people, encountered distress signals late Saturday, prompting a swift response from nearby vessels.
Search and Rescue Efforts Underway
Chinese state media reported that 39 crew members were rescued shortly after the ship sank, while six Chinese vessels and a helicopter joined the rescue operations.
A Chinese rescue vessel first spotted what was believed to be a distress signal from the endangered ship shortly before 6:30 pm on Saturday.
Xinhua News Agency
Authorities from Hainan province stated that the Khoi Nguyen 18 is a nearly 70-meter-long vessel, registered in Vietnam.
The incident has not only raised concerns about the safety of commercial vessels in these waters but also underscores the ongoing disputes in the South China Sea.
Context: Ongoing Maritime Disputes
The South China Sea is a hotspot for territorial disputes, with multiple nations, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and China, claiming rights over various parts.
Despite an international ruling declaring China's extensive claims illegal, tensions remain high, particularly in the Spratly Islands area, known for its rich natural resources.
- 23 crew members missing
- 39 rescued
- 6 Chinese vessels involved in rescue
- Khoi Nguyen 18 nearly 70 meters long
Vietnam's foreign ministry has yet to comment on the situation, leaving many questions unanswered about the fate of the missing crew.