5 Crew Members Missing From Capsized Chinese Vessel In Disputed Waters Near Japan

On Wednesday a Chinese fishing vessel sank in disputed water near Japan. As a result of this incident, 5 persons went missing prompting a search operation by the Japanese coast guard.

Search Operation With Patrol Plane

The coast guard has called for a patrol plane to look for the missing crew after getting a distress call from the capsized vessel.

The 105 ton Shen Lian Cheng 707 vessel capsized 330 kilometres north of Ishigaki Island which lies close to the Senkakus island controlled by the Japanese.

Representation Image

The fishing vessel had a 10 membered crew of which 5 have been rescued while the others are still missing. A Chinese boat passing by the region rescued the 5 crew members, revealed Chinese Maritime authorities.

At present, a Japanese patrol ship is searching for the rest of the seamen of the vessel in the disputed waters.

Cause of Capsizing Unknown

So far, the cause of capsizing hasn’t been determined although the weather that day was quite windy with rough waves.

China-Japan Claim in Disputed Area

The Ishigaki region which lies north of Japanese controlled Senkaku Islands is a disputed territory claimed by both China and Japan. China calls it Diaoyu. In recent years, China increased its maritime activity in the region to substantiate its claim which has posed security concerns for Japan.

Reference: outlookindia.com

Source: Maritime Shipping News