Tragedy in South China Sea: vessel sank after colliding near Guangzhou, two crew members remain missing
Illustrative photo: cargo ship (Getty Images)
A cargo vessel, Hai Li 5, sank off the coast of Guangzhou on the evening of October 25 after colliding with another ship, according to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
A maritime accident occurred on October 25, 2025, at 08:00 PM local time in waters near Guangzhou, China, when the Singapore-flagged container ship WAN HAI A17 collided with the Chinese vessel HAI LI 5.
Following the collision, the Chinese vessel sank. According to official reports, 15 crew members were on board the Hai Li 5; two remain missing, while the others were rescued.
The WAN HAI A17, operated by Wan Hai Lines Ltd., carried a crew of 23, all of whom are safe. The ship itself sustained no significant damage.
Chinese authorities have launched a search and rescue operation involving several coast guard vessels and helicopters. Investigators are examining possible causes, including navigational error or technical malfunction.
The WAN HAI A17 is currently docked at a nearby port to assist in the investigation.
Chinese media report that the area around the incident has been temporarily closed to navigation, and the Guangdong provincial maritime administration and prosecutor’s office are overseeing the inquiry.
Earlier this month, on October 12, a Ukrainian cargo ship sank in the Black Sea off the coast of Bulgaria. Rescue efforts involving Bulgarian, Romanian, and Turkish forces successfully saved all 10 crew members, who were later reported to be in satisfactory condition.
