South China Sea Shipwreck: Sailors Dead Near Scarborough Shoal

At least two sailors have died after a cargo ship capsized near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The ship, carrying 21 Filipino sailors, was headed to Yangjiang, China.

The Chinese Coast Guard received a distress signal and rescued 17 crew members. The Philippine Coast Guard dispatched ships and aircraft to assist in the rescue operations.

The Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre reported that 10 crew members were rescued by a passing vessel. Scarborough Shoal is a point of tension due to competing sovereignty and fishing rights claims.

Investigations into the cause of the shipwreck are ongoing.