14 Crew Saved from Typhon-Battered Cargo Ship

Fourteen crew members of Chinese cargo ship Hao Jun were airlifted to safety from the sinking vessel by a Hong Kong-based helicopter rescue services Tuesday, September 16th, local media report.

The vessel started taking in water having lost power about 20 kilometers southwest of Macau as the typhoon signal Number 8, dubbed the  Kalmaegi, was sweeping through the area.

According to China’s Government Flying Services, waves of up to 10 meters bashed the cargo ship, as the crew was readying to abandon the vessel.

Having been notified of the sinking, Guangdong maritime rescue authorities requested assistance from Hong Kong counterparts, who dispatched a Super Puma helicopter to the scene.

Extremely difficult wave and wind conditions hampered the rescue operation, which took an hour to complete, the Flying Services said.

The crew was reported safe, however it is unknown whether the vessel sank or remained adrift.