China rescues 47 after Vietnamese ship sinks

China has rescued 47 Vietnamese sailors after their vessel sank in waters near Nansha Islands, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular news briefing on Monday.

China's rescue vessel Nanhai Jiu 115 spotted a Vietnamese ship in distress near the Nansha Islands on Saturday and rescued 29 crew members, Lin said.

China immediately dispatched multiple vessels and helicopters to continue the search-and-rescue operation, he added.

So far, 47 Vietnamese crew members have been rescued, with the injured receiving medical treatment. All those rescued have been transferred to the Vietnamese side in an orderly manner, according to Lin.

The Vietnamese ship sank on Friday night with 62 crew members aboard. Some remain missing, and search-and-rescue operations are continuing.

"China launched rescue operations immediately after the Vietnamese vessel encountered distress, and the Vietnamese side has expressed appreciation for China's efforts," Lin said.