Ship Sinks in S. China Sea, 27 Missing

Rescuers are searching for 27 people in the South China Sea after a cargo ship sank in rough seas.

Vietnamese registered, PHU TAN, was reportedly carrying a crew of 25 and two additional visitors onboard. The ship, owned by Vinalines Shipping, based in Hanoi City, Vietnam reported engine problems before sinking.

The ship reportedly sank 110 nautical miles west of Sanya city. Rescuers report seas of up to 20-feet, making for a difficult rescue operation.
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There have been some conflicting reports as to what type of vessel sank, some agencies are reporting it was a fishing trawler however Vietnam's National Search and Rescue Committee has reportedly identified the PHU TAN as a cargo ship. There is a PHU TAN cargo ship registered with the IMO that is Vietnamese Flagged and owned by Vinalines Shipping

An update will be provided when there is more information.