By the afternoon of 27/7, these individuals from the Khoi Nguyen 18 vessel had been rescued and provided medical care by Chinese forces. Vietnamese authorities subsequently took custody of the 48 individuals and are transporting them to the mainland, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Khoi Nguyen 18 vessel, carrying 62 people, sank on 26/7 while operating in adverse weather conditions in the South China Sea. Over the past two days, search and rescue teams from all involved parties have worked to locate, rescue, and provide medical aid to those affected.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that search and rescue operations face considerable challenges due to high waves, strong winds, and rough seas. Vietnamese authorities are diligently continuing their efforts to locate the remaining individuals.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On 26/7, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated that immediately after the incident, Vietnam initiated search and rescue operations, supported by Chinese search and rescue forces and nearby vessels.

"We extend our gratitude to Chinese authorities for their swift assistance in Vietnam's search and rescue efforts, and we hope both sides continue to coordinate closely to find the remaining individuals", Hang said.

Nhu Tam