
China Expands Deep Sea Search and Rescue Capability to 4,000 Metres
China’s maritime rescue authorities have expanded their deep sea search and rescue operations beyond 4,000 metres, according to People’s Daily. The development, credited to hi-tech equipment including underwater drones and deep-towed systems capable of operating at depths up to 6,000 metres, marks what state media called the formal transition of China’s transport rescue and salvage forces to practical deep-water operations. The South China Sea has an average depth of 1,212 metres and reaches a maximum of 5,559 metres.