Five vessels sink, one runs aground in South China due to the Southwest Monsoon

Angela Yu

 

29 July 2015

 

Five Vietnam-flagged coal carriers sank and another ran aground on 27 July at the anchorage near South China's Qisha port.

The vessels were caught in the southwest monsoon, which brought heavy winds and waves as high as 5 m.

Chinese maritime officials have rescued all 48 crewmembers from the six vessels.

Qisha port is the main entrance of coal, ore, and marine products from Vietnam to Guangxi, receiving dozens of Vietnamese ships every day.

Vessels visiting the port have to wait for high tide at the anchorage before they can enter.