HONG KONG — A South China Sea-based industrial support vessel has been swept away by a storm, possibly resulting in the death of over two dozen crew members. Rescue services in Hong Kong reported Saturday.
Authorities sent planes and helicopters out to assist in the rescue. At least three of the 30 people involved were brought to safety by the authorities as of 5:30 p.m. local (or 5:30 a.m.). ET) Saturday.
The Hong Kong Government Flying Service released photos showing one crew member being lifted up to a rescue helicopter while big waves smashed the sinking vessel.
The accident happened approximately 186 miles south from Hong Kong.
The Flying Service didn’t give any details about the vessel’s origin or name. The Flying Service stated that crew members were having difficulties negotiating with Severe Tropical Storm Chaba’s maximum winds of 68 mph.
Later Saturday, the storm struck the western coast of Guangdong.
