Search and rescue operation saves 18 sailors

An international search and rescue operation in the South China Sea rescued 18 people in distress from a capsized cargo vessel on Wednesday, according to the Ministry of Transport.

China's Maritime Search and Rescue Center received an alarm message about 6 pm on Wednesday, saying a Belizean bulk vessel was in danger of capsizing due to strong winds and waves about 450 nautical miles from Sanya in Hainan province.

A total of 18 sailors from China, Vietnam, the Philippines and Myanmar abandoned the ship and were in distress.

China's search and rescue center dispatched vessels in the vicinity to carry out rescue operations. It also sent alarms to China's Marine Police and search and rescue centers in Hong Kong and Vietnam. Two vessels from Vietnam participated in the operation.

About two hours later, all sailors had been rescued by the joint operation.