Dozens are missing after an engineering ship split in two and sank in waters off Hong Kong.
The disaster struck amid fierce storms caused by Tropical Storm Chaba, which swept through the region on Saturday.
Authorities have mobilized planes and helicopters for an immediate rescue operation, but have so far retrieved only three members of the 30-member crew.
The three who were rescued said their fellow crew members may have been swept away by the stricken vessel as it pitched into the water. They were only able to cling to the railings as they waited for help, the South China Morning Post reported.
Some of the crew abandoned ship, hampering efforts to pull them to safety, rescuers said.
The storm is believed to have reached maximum winds of 68 miles per hour.
An industrial support vessel operating in the South China Sea has sunk with the possible loss of more than two dozen crew members. Hong Kong’s Government Aviation Authority via AP The disaster struck during fierce storms caused by Tropical Storm Chaba. Hong Kong Government Aviation Service via AP A helicopter with rescue crew members approaches the sinking ship in the South China Sea, Saturday, July 2, 2022. Hong Kong Government Aviation Service via AP
The depression occurred 186 miles off the south coast of Hong Kong. The storm hit Zhangjiang city in China’s Guangdong province on Saturday afternoon.
With postal wires
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