Vietnamese authorities have rescued 45 people after the cargo ship Khoi Nguyen 18 sank in rough weather in the East Sea, the foreign ministry said on July 26.
Responding to reporters, foreign ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said the vessel, carrying 62 people, went down while operating in adverse weather conditions.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang (Photo: Foreign Ministry).
Hang said Vietnamese rescue forces were dispatched to the scene immediately after the incident. Search and rescue efforts have also been supported by Chinese rescue vessels and helicopters, along with other ships operating near the site of the sinking.
As of midday on July 26, 45 people had been rescued, she said.
Search and rescue teams, together with fishing vessels in the area, are continuing to search for those still missing, while authorities remain ready to provide further emergency assistance if required.
The spokesperson said relevant agencies had informed the families of those aboard the vessel and were providing regular updates on the rescue operation and efforts to bring survivors safely back to shore.
"We thank the Chinese authorities for their prompt assistance in supporting Vietnam's search and rescue operation and hope both sides will continue to work closely together to locate those still missing," Hang said.