A P-3 Orion on a fisheries patrol found the vessel 400 nautical miles west of Tuvalu. August 2019 Photo: New Zealand Defence Force
A Chinese fishing vessel found on fire near Tuvalu is now taking on water and the crew is reported to be abandoning ship.
A New Zealand Defence Force Orion located the vessel about 400 nautical miles west of Tuvalu earlier today.
The Orion dropped communications equipment, fresh water and lights to the crew of the Jin Xiang 6.
Photo: New Zealand Defence Force
Now the Fiji Maritime Surveillance Rescue has reported there are 16 crew with the vessel and that life boats are in the water, as the vessel takes on seawater.
Fiji is connecting with nearby resources to help the crew.