Yantai, the coastal city in east China's Shandong province, holds a fire drill at its northern sea area to test its emergency system on Saturday, September 29, 2007. [Photo:cnsphoto]

Yantai, the costal city in eastern China's Shandong province held a fire drill at its northern sea area on Saturday, calling up Special Forces for search and rescue.

A ship loaded with 20,000 tons of crude oil and a crew of 20 sailors were simulated to be on fire while sailing and sending out signals for help.

The maritime search and rescue center of Yantai launched an emergency response exercise on receiving the signals and dispatched boats and airplanes to search for the sailors.

Firefighting department and emergency medical center of the city were also informed to get ready for the rescue work.

Through the joint effort, all of the 20 sailors were saved and the fire was put out.

The drill tested many emergency rescue procedures including life search, fire fighting, medical rescue, signal communication and others.