China-flagged offshore construction ship Fu Jing 001 (MMSI 414607000) has
tentatively been identified as the vessel that broke in two and sank in the South
China sea 160nm south-west of Hong Kong at around 07:00 Beijing time on July 2nd.
The 204-metre-long, 42-metre-wide vessel was caught in passing typhoon Chaba.
An SAR was under way in what were described as “extremely
challenging” weather conditions. There were three SAR ships in the area.
So far, three people were reported rescued, but 27 remained missing.
Some 30 personnel abandoned the ship in life rafts. A
video was released showing a crew member of vessel being rescued by a
helicopter team. The vessel can be seen below in two parts, and on the verge of
sinking.
Video at:
