Vietnamese ship sinks in South China Sea, 17 missing

Rescuers are urgently searching for 17 missing individuals after a Vietnamese cargo ship, the Khoi Nguyen 18, sank in the South China Sea amidst stormy conditions. The vessel was carrying 62 people when it went down.

Vietnamese authorities confirmed the sinking occurred in the East Sea, known internationally as the South China Sea. The incident highlights the ongoing territorial disputes in the region, with China claiming nearly the entire sea despite an international ruling against its claims. Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan also assert claims over parts of the strategic waterway, including the Spratly Islands, which are believed to hold significant oil and gas reserves.

As of Sunday noon, Vietnamese rescuers, with assistance from Chinese rescue forces including ships and helicopters, had successfully saved 45 of the 62 people on board. Authorities and nearby vessels continue to actively search for those still unaccounted for. The Khoi Nguyen 18 encountered trouble near Yongshu Reef, also known as Fiery Cross Reef, which is controlled by Beijing but claimed by both Vietnam and the Philippines.

In a separate incident on Friday, another Vietnamese vessel sank near the Spratly Islands. While 33 fishermen were rescued, three remain missing. This incident involved strong winds and the vessel taking on water. The rescued fishermen were brought to Da Tay, an atoll under Vietnamese control, for medical attention and are reported to be in stable condition. The three missing fishermen were reportedly not wearing life jackets when they left the ship, clinging to plastic containers.

“

sank while operating in bad weather conditions in the East Sea