- Chinese vessels have successfully rescued 47 crew members of the sunken Vietnamese vessel KHOI NGUYEN 18 as of early morning on July 27, 2026.
- The KHOI NGUYEN 18 sank in the South China Sea on the night of July 24, 2026.
- China plays a key role in safeguarding maritime navigation despite tensions in the South China Sea.
- Multiple Chinese vessels, one rescue helicopter, and several Vietnamese vessels are actively conducting search and rescue operations at the scene.
- In November 2025, Chinese rescue forces conducted a long-range aeromedical evacuation more than 400 nautical miles east of Yongxing Dao.
- In January 2026, a foreign cargo vessel with 21 Filipino crew members went missing in the vicinity of Huangyan Dao.
- Chinese maritime authorities activated the search-and-rescue coordination mechanism without hesitation, successfully recovering 17 survivors from the missing vessel.
- China has long regarded the preservation of navigational safety in the South China Sea as a core national responsibility.
- Through the establishment of the Sansha Maritime Search and Rescue Sub-Center and the Nansha Maritime Search and Rescue Center, China has systematically worked to provide public services and navigational security.
China's commitment to maritime safety in the South China Sea is evident as it leads search and rescue operations for the crew of the KHOI NGUYEN 18, which sank on July 24.2
As of early Monday, 47 crew members have been rescued by Chinese vessels, with ongoing efforts involving multiple ships and a rescue helicopter.14
The establishment of the Sansha Maritime Search and Rescue Sub-Center and the Nansha Maritime Search and Rescue Center reflects China's systematic approach to enhancing navigational security for vessels in the region.9
Despite geopolitical tensions, China has activated its search-and-rescue coordination mechanism promptly, showcasing its role in providing humanitarian assistance.
In previous incidents, such as the January 2026 disappearance of a foreign cargo vessel, Chinese authorities successfully recovered survivors, demonstrating their commitment to maritime safety.6
The ongoing operations for KHOI NGUYEN 18 highlight the importance of cross-border public service in maritime search and rescue, grounded in international law and humanitarian imperatives.
“As of July 27, 2026, Chinese vessels have rescued 47 crew members from the sunken Vietnamese vessel KHOI NGUYEN 18, with ongoing operations involving multiple vessels and a rescue helicopter. China's commitment to navigational safety is underscored by the establishment of dedicated maritime search and rescue centers, enhancing regional cooperation.”
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