A large-scale search and rescue operation remains under way after the Vietnamese vessel KHOI NGUYEN 18 sank in severe weather with 62 people on board

According to the latest official updates available early on July 27, 48 people have been rescued, while 14 remain unaccounted for. Chinese rescue forces have saved 47 of the survivors, with another person rescued by the Vietnamese side.

The latest breakthrough came during the night of July 26, when the China Coast Guard vessels XUANDE and NANSHA continued searching the surrounding waters. XUANDE located and rescued two Vietnamese survivors at 22:38 and 23:32. Both were reported to be in stable condition.

The operation began after China’s professional rescue vessel NAN HAI JIU 115 detected a suspected distress signal near Fiery Cross Reef(Yong Shu Jiao) on the evening of July 25. The vessel initially rescued 29 people from one life raft and later found a second raft carrying another seven survivors.

China subsequently mobilised six vessels and one rescue helicopter, while seven Vietnamese vessels also joined the search. A joint command and coordination mechanism was established, with NAN HAI JIU 115 serving as the on-scene rescue coordinator.

By the evening of July 26, China had transferred 41 rescued Vietnamese nationals to the Vietnamese side, while medical treatment, food, drinking water and accommodation were provided to those remaining aboard the rescue vessels.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has publicly thanked the Chinese authorities for their rapid assistance and called for continued close coordination in the search for those still missing.

This accident is another reminder that maritime search and rescue must transcend nationality, politics and jurisdiction. When lives are in danger at sea, professional capability, rapid mobilisation and cross-border cooperation make the decisive difference.

The search continues. Every hour matters.