According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as of the afternoon of July 27, 48 crew members from Khoi Nguyen 18 had been rescued. Vietnamese authorities have taken over all survivors rescued by Chinese forces, provided medical care and transported them back to the mainland.

The rescue operation has been carried out continuously since July 26, after the vessel encountered distress in rough seas amid severe weather conditions.

Vietnamese search-and-rescue agencies launched emergency operations immediately after receiving reports of the incident, coordinating closely with relevant domestic forces. Chinese rescue teams also participated in the operation, rescuing survivors at sea, providing initial medical assistance and later handing them over to Vietnamese authorities.

Throughout July 26 and 27, rescue teams continued operations despite high waves, strong winds and poor visibility that significantly complicated search efforts. Multiple specialised vessels and rescue personnel have been deployed to expand the search area around the site of the accident.

Khoi Nguyen 18 with 62 people on board encountered distress while operating in the East Sea under adverse weather conditions. Rough seas and strong winds have made access to the accident site and rescue operations particularly difficult.

The search operation is underway as Vietnamese rescue teams continue racing against time, expanding the search area in the hope of finding those still missing.

45 rescued after cargo vessel sinks in East Sea, search continues for 17 missing

VOV.VN - Rescue teams have saved 45 of the 62 people aboard the Vietnamese cargo vessel Khoi Nguyen 18 after it sank in severe weather in the East Sea, while search operations continue for 17 people who remain missing, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.