Vietnamese Freighter Sinks Near Chinese Naval Base, Prompting Rescue Efforts
A Vietnamese freighter, Khoi Nguyen 18, sank off the Chinese naval base at Fiery Cross Reef, leading to a significant rescue operation. The vessel, which had an unusually large crew of 62, sent a distress signal on Saturday evening. Chinese rescue teams, along with a Vietnamese vessel and a helicopter, responded to the call. By late Sunday, 45 crew members had been rescued, with search efforts ongoing for the remaining individuals. The Vietnamese foreign ministry expressed gratitude for China's assistance and emphasized the need for continued cooperation in locating the missing crew. The freighter, a small coastal vessel built in 2017, was reported to have been sold to an unknown owner in 2023. It had been operating without broadcasting its location for much of the past year, except for occasional port calls.