5 Pinoys among missing after Chinese boat capsized in Indian Ocean – embassy

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 17) — The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines confirmed on Wednesday that five Filipino seafarers were among the 39 crew members reported missing after a Chinese fishing vessel capsized in the Indian Ocean.

“Sad to learn reports of the capsizing of a Chinese fishing vessel, the Lu Peng Yuan Yu 028 (LPY28), where 39 sailors, including 17 Chinese and five Filipino citizens were confirmed missing,” the embassy said in a statement.

China's state news agencies on Wednesday reported that a Chinese fishing boat, carrying five Filipinos and other nationalities, capsized in the Indian Ocean.

Broadcaster CCTV and China News Service (CNS) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered an all-out rescue operation to save the 39 crew members who were aboard the boat.

The 17 other crew members of the vessel are Indonesians, CNS added.

CCTV said the vessel, owned by Penglai Jinglu Fishery Co, capsized at 3 a.m. on Tuesday.

The embassy stressed it is in close coordination with the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine Coast Guard, and other agencies.

“We pray for the safety of all the sailors as we continue with the operations and coordination,” it said.

The DFA earlier said it is “aware and is closely monitoring the situation.”