A Chinese-flagged bulk carrier loaded with steel suffered flooding and capsizing risk in the southern Yellow Sea on the morning of November 9, battered by the first cold wave of the second half of this year. Two cargo holds on its starboard side took in water, causing severe list and imminent danger of sinking. The 14 crew members on board sent out a distress call.

Upon receiving the alert from the Yancheng Maritime Search and Rescue Center, the East China Sea Rescue Bureau of the Ministry of Transport immediately activated its emergency response plan. Rescue vessel Donghai Jiu 116, together with two rescue helicopters — B-72DT on standby in Lianyungang and B-7359 stationed in Yancheng — were dispatched to the scene.

The vessel involved is Jia Cheng 799, a 6,000 DWT Chinese bulk carrier built in 2004, measuring 109 metres in length. It was sailing from Shanghai to Qingdao at the time of the incident. (Photo credit: ShipVista)

Rescue operations were hampered by rough sea conditions, with winds reaching Force 8 and wave heights up to 4 metres. The rescue team carried out a coordinated operation between the rescue ship and helicopters. As the vessel sank, eight crew fell overboard. Thanks to the joint efforts, all 14 seafarers were safely recovered. The rescued personnel have been handed over to local authorities.