In a predawn operation today, the China Coast Guard (CCG) launched a swift rescue mission to save 13 Filipino crew members after their cargo vessel capsized near Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea. The incident highlights ongoing regional cooperation in maritime emergency response.
According to an official CCG statement, authorities received distress signals at 1:34 a.m. through the Sansha Maritime Search and Rescue Center in Hainan Province. The vessel, carrying 21 Filipino nationals, reportedly sank approximately 55 nautical miles northwest of China's Huangyan Dao.
"We immediately mobilized two specialized rescue vessels upon confirmation of the incident," the CCG stated, emphasizing their round-the-clock search efforts.
While 13 crew members have been safely recovered as of Friday morning, search operations continue for the remaining eight individuals. Maritime experts note the challenging conditions in the area, with water temperatures and currents complicating rescue efforts.
This operation marks the third major international rescue mission conducted by Chinese maritime authorities this month, underscoring enhanced regional coordination mechanisms established through recent ASEAN-China maritime safety agreements.
