Joint Rescue Operation in South China Sea
Vietnam on Sunday thanked China for its assistance in search and rescue operations after a Vietnamese cargo vessel sank in the South China Sea. The ship, identified as the 'Khoi Nguyen 18', was carrying 62 people when it went down in unfavourable weather conditions near Yongshu Reef in the Nansha Islands, according to Xinhua news agency. As of the latest reports, 45 individuals have been rescued, while search efforts continue for the remaining crew members.
Coordinated Response Between Vietnamese and Chinese Authorities
Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang confirmed that Vietnamese authorities launched rescue operations immediately after the incident and coordinated closely with Chinese rescue forces and vessels operating near the scene. She thanked the Chinese authorities for their prompt support in search and rescue operations and expressed hope that both sides would continue to coordinate closely in the search for those still missing.
Details of the Rescue Mission
According to the Global Times, China dispatched six vessels and one rescue helicopter to assist in the operation, while seven Vietnamese ships also joined the on-site search and rescue effort. The report stated that "China and Vietnam have set up a joint, unified search and rescue command system," with the Chinese rescue vessel Nanhai Jiu 115 serving as the on-site commander. It added that "rescue forces from both countries have demonstrated strong overall coordination, regional synergy, and efficient collaboration," citing Sansha authorities.
Rescue of 29 Crew Members from a Life Raft
The Global Times further reported that Nanhai Jiu first rescued 29 Vietnamese nationals from a life raft on Saturday evening while returning to Sanya. The survivors informed rescuers that the Khoi Nguyen had sunk on Friday night about 220 nautical miles east of Vietnam's Khanh Hoa Province with 62 Vietnamese nationals on board. Following the alert, Chinese maritime search and rescue authorities activated an emergency response and established a unified command system with Vietnamese vessels operating in the area to coordinate the ongoing rescue mission.
Continuous Search Operations
Search operations for the remaining missing crew members are continuing. The joint effort underscores the cooperation between Vietnam and China in maritime emergencies, despite broader geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea. The incident highlights the dangers faced by seafarers in the region and the importance of rapid, coordinated rescue operations.
