18 people missing in South China Sea after Vietnamese ship sinks | South China Sea News

There were 62 people in the boat when it sank, all of them Vietnamese citizens.

At least 18 people are missing in the South China Sea after a Vietnamese cargo ship sinks.

Chinese and Vietnamese officials continued to search Sunday for the missing, all of whom are Vietnamese nationals. According to China’s CGTN newspaper, 62 people were on board when the ship sank on Friday evening.

Chinese authorities found out about 24 hours later, on Saturday evening, when they discovered that the ship was on fire. Since then, 44 people have been rescued.

The ship is 70 meters (230 feet) long and can carry 999 tons.

China has sent six ships and a rescue helicopter, while Vietnam has also sent a ship to help rescue operations.

The rich South China Sea is at the center of a major dispute between several countries, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei.

Beijing claims a large part of the territory and has created artificial and maritime islands to consolidate its sovereignty.

All six countries have disputed claims over the Spratly Islands, an archipelago of more than 100 small islands and energy reserves.