15 missing as RP fishing vessel sinks off Taiwan

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Fifteen crew members were missing Wednesday and five others had been rescued, after a Philippine fishing vessel sank off the southern Taiwanese coast, a Taiwanese official said.

Coast Guard spokesman Hsieh Ching-ching said helicopters and one ship dispatched by the Taiwanese government rescued two of the sailors from the Panama-registered Horng Yun in heavy seas, and nearby cargo vessels saved another three.

''We have asked Hong Kong and the Philippines for extra help as the ship was closer to the Philippines,'' Hsieh said. ''Rescuers are still searching for the missing 15 fishermen.''

Taiwan TV said weather conditions were stormy in the area where the Horng Yun went down. - AP

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