The South China Sea Rescue 113 is sent into maritime rescue duty off the Nansha Islands in south China's Hainan Province, Dec. 22, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingquan)
SANYA, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- A new vessel was on Tuesday sent into maritime rescue duty off the Nansha Islands in south China's Hainan Province.
The South China Sea Rescue 113 left the port in the city of Sanya on Tuesday morning to replace the South China Sea Rescue 115 vessel.
Owned by the Nanhai Rescue Bureau of the Ministry of Transport, the vessel carried the 11th group of rescue forces to be stationed in Nansha waters.
There are 26 crew members on board, nearly two-thirds of whom are on duty for a second time and have rich experience, according to the bureau.
The vessel can resist strong winds and high waves, and can sail continuously for 12,000 nautical miles. Upon arrival, the ship will be on standby around the clock to deal with dangerous situations.
"The rescue duty work around the Nansha Islands and reefs is a manifestation of China's fulfillment of its obligations under international conventions and is in the spirit of international humanitarianism," said Zhuang Zeping, director of the Nanhai Rescue Bureau, at the rotation ceremony before the vessel's departure.
According to official data, maritime rescue vessels dispatched by the Nanhai Rescue Bureau have carried out 35 rescue missions around the Nansha Islands and reefs since July 27, 2018, rescuing 143 people, eight ships, and property worth about 756 million yuan (about 115.44 million U.S. dollars). ■
