The mainland container ship abandoned 65km east of Hong Kong after its 16 crew were rescued by helicopter at the peak of Typhoon Imbudo was towed back to Hong Kong yesterday afternoon.
The 1,485-tonne Fufeng, loaded with 138 containers, stayed afloat after it battled 90km/h winds and 10-metre waves at the mouth of Daya Bay in mainland waters, according to Senior Marine Officer Summy Chu Wah-sau, of the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre.
He said the 81-metre-long vessel had been guarded by a salvage tugboat since it lost its rudder during Wednesday night's storm. It arrived at the Western anchorage area off Green Island at 4.30pm, according to Mr Chu.
The crew first radioed for help at 7.45pm on Wednesday through the Guangdong Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre as they feared the ship might sink or capsize.
Government Flying Service rescuers battled strong winds and high waves to rescue the crew early on Thursday.
