Rescuers are searching for 17 missing crew after the Khoi Nguyen 18 sank near Fiery Cross Reef.
Why it matters: The sinking has drawn in Vietnam, the Philippines and China near a disputed area in the South China Sea. The multi-country response matters for search-and-rescue coordination along a busy regional shipping route.
- Khoi Nguyen 18 sank late Saturday near Fiery Cross Reef, according to AP and Vietnam's foreign ministry.
- The ship carried 62 people; 45 have been found and 17 remain missing.
- The Philippine Coast Guard deployed a patrol vessel and an aircraft after Vietnam requested help.
- Vietnamese authorities said fishing vessels joined the search and families of those on board had been notified.
A Vietnamese cargo vessel, Khoi Nguyen 18, sank late Saturday near Fiery Cross Reef in the South China Sea, according to AP and Vietnam's foreign ministry.
The ship was carrying 62 people. Authorities have found 45, while 17 remain missing.
The Philippine Coast Guard said it deployed a patrol vessel and an aircraft after Vietnam asked for help. Coast Guard spokesperson Noemie Cayabyab said Vietnam also asked for additional information to help direct the search and rescue effort.
Vietnamese authorities said fishing vessels joined the search and that families of those on board had been notified. Reuters reported the same core facts, including the vessel name, the number aboard and the missing count.
The search area is near the disputed Spratly Islands, where Fiery Cross Reef is located.
By the numbers
- 62 - people aboard the Khoi Nguyen 18.
- 45 - people found so far.
- 17 - crew members still missing.
What's next: Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing as authorities and vessels continue to look for the missing crew.