China has rescued 47 crew members of a Vietnamese vessel that sank in the South China Sea, with search efforts still ongoing for the missing, China said Monday.

Photo: Chinese foreign ministry

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a routine press conference in Beijing when asked about the rescue operation that began after the Vietnamese-flagged ship carrying 62 people sank in the South China Sea on Friday. The Chinese rescue ship Nanhai Jiu 115 spotted and rescued 29 crew members of a distressed Vietnamese ship in the waters near Nansha Qundao on Saturday.

"Following the initial discovery, the Chinese side immediately sent out several vessels and a helicopter to continue search and rescue operations," Lin said.

To date, China has rescued 47 Vietnamese crew members. All 47 rescued individuals have received medical treatment for their injuries and have been transferred to Vietnamese representatives, who expressed thanks to China, Lin said.

The search for those who remain missing is still ongoing.

(Compiled by Fan Liuyi and intern Lin Xi)