Dozens missing as Typhoon Wutip sinks boats – Xinhua

Sep 30, 2013 2:33 PM PHT

Agence France-Presse

SUMMARY

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More than 70 people were missing after three fishing boats sank in a powerful typhoon in the South China Sea

BEIJING, China – More than 70 people were missing after three fishing boats sank in a powerful typhoon in the South China Sea, state media said on Monday, September 30.

“Three fishing boats have sunk since Sunday afternoon,” Xinhua news agency said, quoting maritime authorities.

Altogether five boats carrying 171 people were caught in rough seas whipped up by Typhoon Wutip (Philippine codename Paolo), which is expected to make landfall in Vietnam’s central region later Monday.

Vietnam has evacuated 70,000 people from high-risk areas as it prepares for the typhoon, according to the country’s national flood and storm control department.

Xinhua gave differing accounts on the number of people missing, with one report putting the figure at 75. However a later report said 74 people were lost at sea.

Updated figures could not be found on the websites of the State Oceanic Administration or local maritime safety authority. – Rappler.com