3 missing after Chinese vessel sinks near South Korean waters

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – At least three crew members are missing after a Chinese fishing boat sank close to South Korean waters on Wednesday, according to the South Korean Coast Guard and Chinese and Korean media.

Twelve of the ship's 15 crew members were reportedly rescued by the coast guard, including three who were unconscious.

The coast guard said the 239-ton vessel sank late Tuesday or early Wednesday some 124 kilometers (77 miles) southwest of the city of Gunsan’s Eocheong Island.

Four patrol ships and two aircraft are taking part in search and rescue operations at the accident scene along with two Chinese fishing boats.

South Korean officials told Yonhap News that the Chinese vessel "was fishing in the South Korean exclusive economic zone after getting permission."