Eleven Sailors Missing in South China Sea

Cargo ship sinks in high winds, 12 rescued.

Eleven Vietnamese sailors were missing in the South China Sea after their cargo ship sank during high winds, officials said, warning other mariners to beware of bad weather.

A fishing boat rescued 12 seamen after the” VAN DON-2” sank early Tuesday about 250 miles off the coast of Ba Ria-Vung Tau. The accident took place as high seas unexpectedly overcame the 6,900 ton cargo ship, which was transporting iron goods from Malaysia to Ho Chi Minh City. The vessel is owned by Quang Ninh Sea Transport of Vietnam.

Officials have warned operators as high seas and strong winds are common this time of the year. On December 16th a container ship, “PHU TAN”, sank and 23 sailors were lost and December 17th fishing vessel sank with 20 fishermen still missing. Officials said rescue workers from China and Vietnam found three survivors and one body from the cargo ship.