A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway in the South China Sea after the Vietnamese cargo vessel Khoi Nguyen 18 sank near Fiery Cross Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands.
According to official reports, 62 Vietnamese nationals were on board when the vessel went down. Rescue teams have successfully saved 45 people, while 17 crew members remain missing as search efforts continue.
The distress signal was first detected by the Chinese rescue vessel Nanhai Jiu 115, which immediately launched a rescue operation. Additional Chinese rescue ships and a helicopter were later deployed to assist in the search for the missing seafarers.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that authorities are coordinating closely with Chinese rescue services and expressed appreciation for the assistance provided during the ongoing operation.
Reports indicate that the vessel encountered severe weather conditions before sinking. Challenging sea conditions continue to complicate the search and rescue mission.
The Khoi Nguyen 18, a Vietnamese cargo vessel measuring approximately 70 meters in length with a gross tonnage of 999 tons, was operating in the South China Sea at the time of the incident.
Rescue operations remain ongoing as authorities continue searching for the 17 missing crew members.
