A Vietnamese cargo vessel sank near Kagitingan Reef in the West Philippine Sea on July 25, 2026, with 62 crew members aboard.Authorities reported that six additional crew members were rescued by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Vietnamese Coast Guard (VCG) forces, leaving 17 individuals still missing.The PCG activated its Search and Rescue response, deploying maritime and air assets including the BRP Malapascua and a PCG air asset from Palawan.The PCG Command Center is coordinating closely with VCG for operational information to guide the search efforts.The Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System is being used to improve the probability of locating the missing persons.Chinese state-run news agency CCTV claimed that Chinese teams rescued the Vietnamese sailors near the Chinese-occupied reef.The incident highlights ongoing maritime tensions in the South China Sea, with multiple countries claiming sovereignty over the Spratly islands.The PCG emphasized its commitment to international cooperation in rescue operations while maintaining vigilance over Philippine waters.