The 1368 dwt freighter Soon Bee II foundered in the South China Sea near Kuala Rajang, Borneo. The vessel capsized in heavy seas while onroute from Kuching and Sarikei . Ten of the 18 crewmen onboard were rescued. The Malaysian agencies are conducting a search for the 8 missing men. Reports state the vessel had made an emergency call because the vessel had water ingress. The Soon Bee II had been sailing for 41 years before it sank.
The 14205 dwt freighter Phu Tan capsized and sank in the South China Sea while sailing from Danang to Haiphong, Vietnam. The vessel was hit by a severe gale with 100 km per hour winds and 6 meter waves. The vessel reported losing engine power and water ingress. The Phu Tan had 25 crew onboard with 2 passengers. Reports to the fate of the crew are conflicting. One report states 26 survivors and 1 death while another states 2 rescued and 25 are listed as missing. Some confusion is result of six additional fishing vessel sinking as well.
