Scores of sailors dead, others missing as Chinese vessel capsizes in Indian Ocean

A Chinese fishing vessel has capsized in the Indian Ocean, killing dozens of sailors with others missing

At least 39 people, 17 Chinese crew members, 17 Indonesians and 5 Filipinos were said to be onboard.

A search and rescue operation has been launched, according to the new Xinhua News Agency.

President Xi Jinping has ordered that all efforts be made to find survivors of the ill-fated “Lupeng Yuanyu 028”.

The distant-water fishing vessel is owned by Penglai Jinglu Fishery Co Ltd based in Shandong province.

China’s maritime search and rescue centre has informed countries near the ocean of the accident.

The Foreign Ministry has also directed its missions in Australia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Indonesia, the Philippines and others to coordinate operations.