Ship Sinks in South China Sea, 27 Fishermen Missing

According to a report from China’s Xinhua news agency, a Vietnamese fishing vessel sank in the South China Sea about 110 nautical miles west of Sanya City in Hainan province. Xinhua reported at least 27 fishermen were missing after being thrown into the water when strong winds capsized the Phu Tan. A rescue vessel was sent to the scene.

An unidentified official from Vietnam's National Search and Rescue Committee said the vessel was a container ship and not a fishing boat. “We just sent our vessels to look for it a few hours ago. This ship belongs to us (Vietnam)," the official said. "The container ship sank as the main engine was broken and the water came in. There were 25 crewmen and two visitors on board. We were told they were all with life jackets but have not found them yet."

Earlier this week a South Korean fishing vessel sank in the Antarctic Ocean. Maritime officials said 5 fishermen died and 17 others were missing.

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