A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway in the South China Sea after a Vietnamese cargo ship carrying 62 people on board sank.
According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, emergency teams have rescued 39 people, while 23 others remain missing.
Authorities in China’s southern Hainan Province said the cargo vessel, Khoi Nguyen 18, transmitted a distress signal near the waters surrounding Fiery Cross Reef.
The rescue operation involves six Chinese vessels, a helicopter, and one Vietnamese ship, as search efforts for the missing continue.
The Vietnam-registered vessel was approximately 70 meters long and had a gross tonnage of 999 tons.
The incident occurred near the Spratly Islands, a disputed area in the South China Sea consisting of small islands, reefs, and atolls.
The region is considered strategically important and is believed to be rich in natural resources.
China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, including the Spratly Islands, where it has constructed airstrips and militarized facilities.
Beijing’s claims are disputed by several countries in the region, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei.
