Responding to a reporter’s question on Sunday, Ms. Hang said Vietnamese rescue forces were dispatched to the scene immediately after the incident. With support from Chinese search and rescue teams, which deployed vessels and helicopters, as well as assistance from nearby ships, Vietnam launched a large-scale search and rescue operation.
By noon on Sunday, 45 people had been rescued.
Search efforts remain underway, with rescue forces and fishing vessels continuing to look for those still missing while standing ready to provide all necessary assistance to affected citizens. Authorities have also kept victims’ families informed through regular updates on the operation and subsequent measures to ensure those rescued are brought safely ashore.
“We sincerely appreciate the swift support provided by the relevant Chinese authorities for Vietnam’s search and rescue efforts and hope that both sides will continue to work closely together to locate those who remain missing,” Ms. Hang said.
