Jakarta, IO – A fishing vessel owned by a Chinese company called Penglai Jinglu Fisheries Co Ltd capsized in the Indian Ocean on Tuesday (16/5) at around 3am local time. A total of 39 crew members including 17 Indonesian citizens were reportedly missing.
Several countries in the region have deployed SAR units; China itself sent two ships, namely Lu Peng Yuan Yu 018 and Yuan Fu Hai.
Foreign Ministry has coordinated with related authorities to search for the missing citizens, reported Detik, Wednesday (17/5).
“There are 17 Indonesian citizens, 17 Chinese citizens, and five Filipinos,” said National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) spokesperson Yusuf Latif.
Read: Communications And Information Minister Named Suspect In Corruption Case Related To BTS Project
Australia’s Joint National Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) has assisted with aerial imaging. In response to the incident, Chinese Premier Li Qiang ordered the authorities to review and strengthen the safety procedures for fishing operations in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. (bp)