Taiwan coast guard completed the dramatic helicopter rescue of 19 crew members on a stricken ship, affected by the strong typhoon which brings winds and heavy rains to the region.
The authorities dispatched a helicopter to rescue 19 seafarers from a bulk carrier who were forced to abandon the ship as it took on water in its engine room, with the rescue helicopter having to turn back due to the wind and rain.
All those on the Barbados-flagged ship were rescued, the coast guard said in a statement.
The coast guard also reported that the crew consisted of seven Ukrainians, nine Egyptians and three Russians, which had set off from China’s Caofeidian port for Singapore.
The Taiwanese Coast Guard said the ship was taking on water in the engine room, and crew needed to abandon the ship.
Photo credit: Taiwan Coast Guard Administration
Rescuers used helicopters for the operation to save the lives of the seafarers from the stricken bulk carrier.
Due to the heavy wind and rain the helicopter flight took off again and arrived at the scene, with national rescue authorities later saying its 19 crew members had been airlifted to safety.
The 19 crew members successfully rescued and being transported to the Airport.
It is worth mentioning that the Central Weather Administration issued a sea and land warning on the intensity of typhoon Krathon, which will soon affect the area.
