Hong Kong — An industrial support vessel operating in the South China Sea could sink into a storm, losing more than 20 crew members. , The Hong Kong rescue team said on Saturday.
Authorities dispatched planes and helicopters to assist in the rescue, and on Saturday at least three of the 30 crew members were safely taken.
In a photo released by the Hong Kong Government Flight Bureau, a crew member was hoisted into a rescue helicopter as a large wave struck a sunk ship that was divided into two parts.
The accident occurred about 300 km (186 miles) south of Hong Kong.
The Flying Service did not reveal the name or source of the ship. In a statement, the crew said they were negotiating the difficulties posed by the severe tropical storm chava, which was packed with a maximum wind of 110 kilometers (68 miles) per hour.
The storm landed in the western part of the coastal province of Guangdong late Saturday.
Hong Kong service sent two fixed-wing aircraft and four helicopters for rescue operations.
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