Responding to a distress call from the Chinese fishing vessel that capsized in the central Indian Ocean, India deployed P-81 maritime patrol aircraft for search and rescue (SAR) efforts on Wednesday.
Chinese authorities confirmed the death of two people on the Chinese deep-sea fishing vessel Lupeng Yuanyu 028, which sank in the Indian Ocean with 39 people on board on Tuesday.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority said it is coordinating the search for a capsized Chinese fishing vessel in the Indian Ocean, which left 39 people missing https://t.co/zh13ltqaEz pic.twitter.com/isKV2eJOpW
— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) May 18, 2023
Multinational Search Effort Underway
The Chinese Ministry said emergency SAR operations are underway in the region, and the Chinese government has made saving the crew a high priority. Three Chinese Navy ships and one foreign ship are involved in SAR efforts, with more ships scheduled to arrive.
A multinational search effort was underway in the area as the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) coordinated the rescue efforts after receiving a distress beacon signal from the fishing vessel. The Australian Defence Force has also deployed a P-8A aircraft to aid the operation.
AMSA said it had identified a large patch in the Indian Ocean where it will focus the search operation, and thanked the efforts of merchant ships and other vessels assisting it in the search operations for their valuable support.
The Chinese Premier Li Qiang gave directions to ensure fast coordination with relevant forces to expedite the rescue operation. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that President Xi Jinping had given special instructions to deploy additional rescue forces and seek international cooperation in rescue assistance.
The missing crew had 17 Chinese, 17 Indonesian, and five Philippine mariners.
Truly appreciate the timely help！ https://t.co/hHUDNW2ndL
— Embassy of The People's Republic of China in India (@China_Amb_India) May 18, 2023
India Sends Help, China Appreciates
The Chinese government expressed gratitude towards Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Maldives, and the Philippines for their efforts in the operation’s emergency assistance.
The Indian Navy spokesperson said that the Indian aircraft deployed SAR equipment at the scene as an immediate response at the request of Chinese ships closing the area. India moved quickly to provide aid by positioning its Air MR assets in the Southern Indian Ocean.
“Indian Navy continues to remain deployed to provide all possible assistance to the ongoing SAR efforts,” the spokesperson added.
India has displayed its presence in the region as a credible and responsible partner for ensuring safety at sea by being a part of the rescue effort, 900 nautical miles from its coast.
The Chinese Embassy appreciated the India’s efforts during the emergency assistance.