Costa Victoria's officer on watch spotted the distressed boat and alerted the captain and staff captain, who altered the course to provide assistance.
Twelve people were rescued and received medical treatment on board the cruise ship. Costa Victoria continued to search for other crew from the fishing boat, as did a helicopter from China's Hainan Island Coast Guard.
After receiving clearance from the relevant authorities, Costa Victoria resumed its scheduled course for Sanya on Hainan Island. The ship was en route from Hong Kong.