HAIKOU, Dec 12 (NNN-XINHUA) – A comprehensive maritime search and rescue drill was held yesterday, in the sea, off Haikou, capital of south China’s Hainan province.
The drill, which saw the participation of eight rescue vessels and a rescue helicopter, is the largest of its kind in China’s territorial waters in the South China Sea this year, according to rescue authorities.
The drill highlighted the integrated maritime rescue capabilities, including aerial and underwater search, maritime personnel and property rescue, as well as, maritime fire-fighting.
Zhang Guiping, deputy director of the Nanhai Rescue Bureau of the Ministry of Transport, said, the drill tested the ability of China’s professional maritime rescue forces, and will help further improve their ability to respond to emergencies, in China’s territorial waters in the South China Sea.
The Nanhai Rescue Bureau, which governs seven rescue bases in south China, carried out 271 rescue missions so far this year, saving 553 people and 37 vessels, according to the bureau.– NNN-XINHUA
