(CNN)Of more than 20 crew members who sank after the ship broke in half after being caught near the center of Typhoon Chaba. The search is ongoing on Saturday, according toHong Kongsearch and rescue authorities.
According to the Hong Kong Government Flying Service (GFS), the ship sank about 300 km (185 miles) southwest of the island.
In an Instagram account post, GFS stated that it received a rescue request on Saturday at 7:25 am local time. The crew abandoned the ship after being severely damaged in the South China Sea.
A dramatic video from the rescue operation showed that the crew was pulled up by a rope and boarded a helicopter from the ship while the ship was sinking.
Three crew members were rescued, but the fate of the remaining 27 on board the ship remains unknown, adding that harsh weather conditions are hindering search and rescue operations. rice field.
GFS added that four helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft were deployed on the scene to carry out search and rescue operations.
The storm caused turmoil throughout the region, flights were canceled due to strong winds and heavy rain, and some businesses were closed.
Hong Kong officials issued a warning about the typhoon on Thursday during the long-awaited visit of Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The grand opening of the new Hong Kong Palace Museum, scheduled for the 25th anniversary of British to Chinese rule, was postponed until Sunday due to a storm.
Chaba landed in Guangdong Province, China, around 3 pm. Local time (3 am ET).
