While Typhoon Chanchu was landing on the South China Sea, a Belgian vessel got stuck near the region with eight people on board being in a difficult situation. The South China Sea Rescue Bureau under the Ministry of Communications sent a rescue team to help the trapped vessel out of difficulty. Right now, the rescue team already has got in touch with the Belgian vessel.

Gao Jingyong, worker from the South China Sea Rescue Bureau, who was on duty when the incident occurred, told our reporter that the Belgian vessel, POMPEI, sent a SOS signal to them at 3:20 yesterday when an engine problem occurred on the ship sailing at the Dongsha Islands. The ship was then at the right side of Typhoon Chanchu, less than 70 miles away from the typhoon center. The troubled ship was less than 60 meters long and could be overturned any time by the scale 12 typhoon.

Receiving the SOS signal, the South China Sea Rescue Bureau immediately directed a large-powered tugboat to go to the rescue of the crew. At 4:23, the tugboat, Dejin, set off amid the fierce wind. Right now, it was still heading on its way to the site.

In case any ship needs help when Typhoon Chanchu is landing in south China, the South China Sea Rescue Bureau has already directed all its large rescue ships to be positioned at both sides of the Pearl River estuary. Large rescue ships with over 3,000 kilowatts power under the South China Sea Rescue Bureau can operate well under typhoon conditions, when other vessels normally can not work. The South China Sea Rescue Bureau has issued an order, requesting all its rescue ships to get close to where typhoon moves, for coping with any emergency situation.

Apart from Dejin, seven other rescue ships, including the 8,000-kilowatt power Nanhaijiu 111, are positioned at the Pearl River estuary, Yangjiang River and Shantou coastal areas, ready to work at any time.
 
Editor: Yan