The maintenance vessel, which was 160 nautical miles – equivalent to 300 miles – off the coast of Hong Kong, suffered “significant damage and was broken into two parts”, after which the crew of around 30 people abandoned the ship, according to the Hong Kong government’s apartment.
Three crew members have been rescued and is now being cared for in hospital, according to authorities. Where the sinking took place, ten meter high waves and a wind of 40 meters per second were noted.
Hong Kong’s air force has sent out four helicopters and two planes to search for survivors. Chinese authorities have also sent out a rescue ship.