India searches for 35+ missing people after Chinese boat capsizes
What's the story
The Indian Navy on Thursday deployed its team in the Indian Ocean region in response to the sinking of a Chinese fishing vessel, called Lu Peng Yuan Yu 028, in the early hours of Tuesday. The navy said it was a "swift humanitarian action" by India. It added that the capsized boat had 39 people onboard, including nationals from China, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Statement
Indian Navy continues to remain deployed to provide assistance: Statement
In a statement, the Navy said, "In a display of India's obligations as a credible and responsible partner for ensuring safety at sea, the Indian Navy...coordinated search and rescue efforts with other units in the area, and guided Chinese warships transiting to the scene of incident." "Indian Navy continues to remain deployed to provide all possible assistance to the ongoing efforts," it added.
Twitter Post
Twitter Post by Indian Navy
In a swift humanitarian action on 17 May #IndianNavy deployed its Air MR assets in the Southern IOR approx 900 Nm from India, in response to sinking of a #Chinese Fishing Vessel Lu Peng Yuan Yu 028 with 39 crew onboard. The crew incl nationals from China, Indonesia & Philippines pic.twitter.com/gbcbh8DlSc
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) May 18, 2023
More information
Australia, Philippines, Indonesia conducting search operations
Notably, India's side came nearly 24 hours after China's President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang appealed to their diplomats in foreign countries to assist in the search for survivors. On Thursday, China pulled out two bodies from the ocean, but there was no trace of survivors or life rafts. Meanwhile, Australia, the Philippines, and Indonesia have joined the search.