Vietnam: 45 people have been rescued while 17 remain missing after a cargo vessel carrying 62 people sank in the South China Sea, as announced by Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to Qatar News Agency, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated that Vietnamese authorities launched rescue operations immediately upon receiving reports of the incident. These efforts have been in coordination with Chinese search and rescue teams, as well as vessels operating in the surrounding area.
The incident occurred near the Spratly Islands, where strong winds and high waves have significantly impacted maritime navigation, the spokesperson added. She emphasized that all available resources have been deployed to locate the missing persons, with ongoing rescue efforts in close coordination between the relevant authorities of both countries.
The South China Sea is a crucial maritime trade route, often experiencing unpredictable weather conditions that pose significant navigational risks, especially during storms and the monsoon season.