Rescue efforts under way with more than 35 missing after Chinese fishing vessel capsizes

NEWS WIRES
Wed, 17 May 2023 

© Aaron Favila, AP

A Chinese fishing vessel has capsized in the central Indian Ocean, with its crew of 17 Chinese, 17 Indonesian and five Filipino sailors missing, state media reported Wednesday.

A multinational search and rescue operation was under way to locate the mariners, and China's premier called on authorities to strengthen safety procedures for fishing operations at sea.

The missing vessel, named Lu Peng Yuan Yu 028, capsized at about 3 am Beijing time on Tuesday (1900 GMT Monday).

President Xi Jinping ordered the coordinated search, CCTV said, but "so far, no missing persons have been found".

Teams from around the region are now at the scene and China has deployed two commercial vessels -- the Lu Peng Yuan Yu 018 and Yuan Fu Hai -- to help in the operation.

"It is necessary to further strengthen the safety management of fishing vessels at sea and implement preventive measures to ensure the safety of maritime transportation," Premier Li Qiang said, urging relevant ministries to strengthen oversight of the fishing sector.

Beijing's Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched an "emergency mechanism for consular protection" involving embassies and consulates in Australia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Indonesia, the Philippines and other countries, according to CCTV.

(AFP)