Fishing Boat & Container Ship Collide Off Hainan, 8 Missing

Following a collision with the Panamanian containership SITC Danang off Hainan province's coast in South China, up to eight individuals have been reported missing from a fishing vessel that sank.

The incident took place shortly after midnight, at approximately 00:15 AM on Wednesday, April 3rd. The fishing vessel, named Yuenan Aoyu 36062, and the 1032 TEU container ship collided 22 nautical miles southwest of Yinggehai town in Ledong.

Setting sail from Qinzhou port in China, the fishing boat was on its journey to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, at the time of the mishap.

As of 5:30 PM on the same day, a comprehensive search and rescue effort was being carried out by the Chinese Navy and Coast Guard. The operation includes 21 ships and five aircraft, with three divers also participating in the search. Despite these efforts, the whereabouts of the eight missing individuals remain unknown.

The cause of this unfortunate accident has yet to be determined, prompting the initiation of a formal inquiry. In the meantime, the SITC Danang is currently moored in Sanya, located on Hainan island.