The Haixun 31, the most modernized maritime patrol ship in China, sails on the East China Sea off the Wenzhou coast, Zhejiang Province on Monday, June 30, 2008. [Photo: CFP]

China sent out a large patrol fleet, including China's most advanced maritime patrol ship Haixun 31, to the East China Sea for a five-day mission on Tuesday.

Deputy director-general of Zhejiang Maritime Safety Administration He Yipei said that the fleet will consist of two other large patrol ships Haixun 113 and Haixun 111 and over 60 small vessels.

He noted that the bureau will also send 50 maritime vehicles and over 1000 personnel in the large campaign on clamping down on accidents off the Zhejiang coast.

The fleet will sail 17,000 sea miles in five days en route of Zhoushan Islands, Dachen Island of Taizhou and the Chunxiao gasfield.

The Haixun 31, as the most modernized maritime patrol ship with the largest tonnage, 3,000 tons and most advanced equipment in China, is also equipped with helicopters and is suitable for many types of helicopters for take-off and landing.