Hong Kong's Government Flying Service rescued all 17 crew members of a Chinese mainland vessel that sank 100 kilometers southwest of Hong Kong on Sunday morning.

Upon receiving the signal for help, the Flying Service immediately dispatched two helicopters to the site. All the 17 crew on board were rescued and sent to Chek Lop Kok Airport, local media said.

They were then sent to hospital for a medical examination. It was reported that all of them are in good condition.

The Flying Service was called in after another mainland vessel sank in the midst of trying to effect a rescue operation. Three members of crew from the would-be rescue vessel were also saved by the Flying Service.

(Xinhua News Agency September 19, 2005)