Two Crew Still Missing After Bulk Carrier Sinks Near Hainan

Two sailors remain unaccounted for after the bulk carrier Chang Xin 198 sank in the Gulf of Tonkin during severe weather off the coast of China’s Hainan Island.

Reports indicate the vessel went down on January 31 after its cargo shifted in heavy seas, causing the ship to develop a dangerous list before capsizing. Six crew members were thrown into the water as the vessel overturned.

The ship capsized at around 10:00 p.m. local time, prompting an emergency distress alert. A law-enforcement vessel from Basuo Port reached the scene roughly an hour later, but rescue operations were complicated by continuing harsh conditions, including 2.5-meter waves and Force 7 winds.

By 12:45 a.m., two sailors had been pulled from the water, with two additional crew members rescued soon afterward.

All four survivors were safely recovered by 5:00 p.m. the next day. However, despite continued search efforts, the remaining two sailors have not yet been found.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing under the coordination of the Chinese Coast Guard and maritime authorities. Nearby ships have been asked to stay alert and assist in spotting the missing crew members.