Local media reported that Hong Kong's Government Flying Services were alerted at 0700 hrs that the China-flagged coastal vessel Hong-Tai 176 was sinking and its crew waiting to be rescued on its bridge deck.
The half-submerged vessel was found by a fixed wing spotter aircraft at 0838 and a rescue chopper arrived at the scene at 0917. Crew was airlifted off within 30 minutes and the vessel subsequently sank.
Rescuers reported that low clouds and rough seas reduced visibility during the operation to just 500 m.
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