Rescuers scour South China Sea for missing crew after Vietnamese cargo ship sinks

Vietnam on Sunday thanked Chinese authorities for their prompt support in search and rescue operations after a Vietnamese general cargo ship sank in the South China Sea, with 45 of the 62 people on board rescued by late Sunday.

Pham Thu Hang, spokesperson for the Vietnamese ministry of foreign affairs, said Vietnamese authorities launched rescue operations immediately after the incident and coordinated closely with Chinese rescue forces and vessels operating near the scene.

Vietnamese authorities deployed rescue forces and coordinated the operation with Chinese vessels, helicopters and other ships near the casualty site.

She expressed hope that both sides would continue to coordinate closely in the search for those still missing.

According to Pham Thu Hang, authorities have informed the families, updating them on the search and rescue operation.

The Vietnam-flagged general cargo ship (2017-built) was carrying 62 people when it sank while operating in “bad weather conditions in the South China Sea,” according to foreign ministry spokesperson.

The Philippine Coast Guard said it deployed a patrol vessel and an aircraft to help search for the missing crew members following the sinking of the vessel on the evening of July 25, 2026.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said