China rescues 47 after Vietnamese vessel sinks

The China Coast Guard said on Monday that search-and-rescue operations were still underway. It said it would continue scouring waters near the site while providing rescued crew members with meals, medical examinations and places to rest to ensure their safety.

Lin said the Vietnamese side had expressed appreciation for China's rescue efforts.

Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang said on Sunday that Vietnamese authorities had immediately coordinated their response and rushed to the scene.

"We would like to thank the relevant Chinese authorities for promptly assisting Vietnam with the search-and-rescue operation," she said, adding that Vietnam hoped the two sides would continue to coordinate closely in searching for those still missing.