Chinanews.com, Shanghai, December 4th (Pufan) On the afternoon of the 4th, I received information from the Shanghai Maritime Search and Rescue Center: An unknown multi-purpose ship caught fire in the waters about 95 nautical miles (176 kilometers) due east of Shanghai Gaodong Airport. Many people on board were trapped and were in critical condition.

The East China Sea Rescue Bureau of the Ministry of Transport activated the emergency plan as soon as possible, and immediately dispatched two rescue helicopters and one high-powered rescue ship to the scene at the same time.

　　Less than an hour after taking off from Shanghai Gaodong Airport, the "B-7360" rescue helicopter first arrived at the scene.

The wind force at the scene of the incident in the sea area was 7 to 8, and the wave height was 3 meters.

It was confirmed at the scene that the ship in distress was the "Auspicious 398", which had suffered serious fire damage and lost power.

There were 7 crew members on board, all gathered at the bow of the ship to be rescued.

The ship suffered severe fire damage and lost power Photo courtesy of the East China Sea Rescue Bureau of the Ministry of Transport

　　Since it was impossible to establish effective on-site communication with the ship in distress, and the fire in the cabin was unknown and there was still smoke at the scene, the rescue crew decided to lower a lifeguard by hoisting first to find out the situation on the scene.

Another reinforcement rescue helicopter "B-7356" was used for on-site backup and protection.

　　After more than half an hour of on-site intense work, with the help of the rescue crew, the seven crew members in distress were hoisted by a combination of high ropes and winches, and finally all were rescued and returned with the rescue helicopter.

All 7 crew members in distress were rescued, and the Donghai No. 1 Rescue Flying Team is actively arranging the rescued people. Photo courtesy of Donghai Rescue Bureau of the Ministry of Transport

　　At present, the First Rescue Flying Team of the East China Sea is actively relocating the rescued persons.

The "Donghai Rescue 101" ship is still rushing to the scene to further dispose of the ship in distress to avoid secondary accidents.

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