A Vietnamese cargo vessel, the Khoi Nguyen 18, sank near Kagitingan Reef (Yongshu Reef) in the South China Sea, leaving 23 crew members missing and 39 rescued.

Chinese state media reported that the incident occurred on July 26, 2026, with search and rescue operations conducted by six Chinese vessels, a rescue helicopter, and one Vietnamese ship.The vessel, registered in Vietnam and measuring approximately 70 meters, was carrying 62 crew members.Authorities in Hainan, China, confirmed the details, while Vietnam’s foreign ministry did not immediately comment.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, where multiple nations, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan, have competing territorial claims.The area is rich in oil and gas resources, adding to the geopolitical significance.Rescue efforts continue, with authorities emphasizing the complexity of the operation due to the remote location and challenging sea conditions.The incident underscores the risks faced by maritime workers and the broader implications of territorial disputes in the region.