Eight people remain missing after a fishing vessel collided with a Panamanian container ship off the southwestern coast of south China’s Hainan Province on Wednesday, leading to the sinking of the fishing boat, according to the provincial maritime search and rescue center.
Search and rescue efforts have been intensified, utilizing advanced technologies such as underwater robots and remotely operated submersibles. The location of the sunken fishing boat was identified on Saturday. However, challenging conditions, including rapid water currents and fishing nets surrounding the wreckage, have prevented divers from accessing the cabin.
By 5 p.m. on Saturday, rescue teams comprising boats, airplanes, and personnel had scoured an area exceeding 5,700 square nautical miles in search of the missing individuals.
The fishing boat, named “Yuenan Aoyu 36062,” collided with the Panamanian-registered container ship “SITC DANANG” approximately 22 nautical miles southwest of Yinggehai Town in Ledong County around midnight on Wednesday.
Authorities continue to coordinate extensive search operations and are urging vessels in the vicinity to assist in the efforts to locate the missing crew members.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
