At least 23 missing in South China Sea after Vietnamese vessel sinks, rescuers search for survivors

Rescuers are searching for 23 missing individuals after the Vietnamese cargo vessel Khoi Nguyen 18, carrying 62 Vietnamese nationals, sank in the South China Sea near Fiery Cross Reef. Thirty-nine people have been rescued. A Chinese rescue ship, the Nanhai Jiu 115, first spotted a distress flare on Saturday evening. Six Chinese vessels, a rescue helicopter, and a Vietnamese vessel are involved in the search and rescue operation. The incident occurred in the disputed Spratly Islands, an area claimed by China and several other nations.