Container Ship Saves Four Seafarers in South China Sea
A container ship rescued four seafarers after an Indonesian tug capsized in rough weather in the South China Sea, The Maritime Telegraph reported. The tug AOM 787 was towing an empty barge from the Anambas Islands to Serasan in Indonesia’s Riau Islands on 25 July. As the weather became worse, the crew released the tow in an attempt to improve the vessel’s stability, but the tug capsized around midday the following day.
The four crewmembers escaped into a liferaft. A few hours later, the South Korean-operated container ship Shanghai Voyager spotted their distress flares and changed course to help.
Despite rough seas, the crew rescued all four seafarers. The ship’s master informed the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) before heading to Matak Island, where a rescue boat took the survivors ashore. Medical checks confirmed that all four seafarers were in good condition.
The Natuna Search and Rescue Office later reminded seafarers to keep emergency equipment, including EPIRBs, distress flares and waterproof flashlights, ready for use. Officials said the distress flares played a key role in helping the passing container ship find the survivors.
