45 rescued, 17 missing after Vietnamese cargo ship sinks in West Philippine Sea

MANILA, July 28 ------ The Philippine Coast Guard has deployed the BRP Malapascua and an air asset from Palawan to assist in search and rescue operations for the crew of a Vietnamese cargo vessel that sank in the West Philippine Sea.

The incident involving the MV Khoi Nguyen 18 occurred on the night of July 25, 2026, near Kagitingan Reef in the West Philippine Sea.

A report from the Vietnam Coast Guard said 45 of the vessel’s 62 crew members have been rescued, while 17 others remain missing. "The PCG Command Center is coordinating closely with the VCG for other operational information needed to guide the search and rescue response," said PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab. "We are also utilizing the Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System to guide responding assets and improve the probability of locating the missing persons," she added.

The PCG has also issued a navigational warning, urging vessels transiting the area to maintain a vigilant lookout and render assistance whenever it is safe and practicable, as search efforts continue for the 17 missing crew members.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com