Manila: Two of the 21 Filipino crew members aboard a Singaporean-flagged cargo vessel that capsized near Scarborough Shoal have been confirmed dead, while search and rescue operations continue for those still missing. The Chinese Embassy in Manila announced the operation to rescue the crew after the ship overturned about 55 nautical miles off Scarborough Shoal.

According to Philippines News Agency, responding Chinese maritime authorities successfully rescued 17 seafarers from the waters. Of those rescued, 14 are reported to be in stable condition, while one remains under medical emergency treatment.

Rescue operations are being conducted in full swing, with China's maritime authorities deploying additional rescue teams to the accident site. The vessel was on its way from the Philippines to Guangdong, China, when the incident occurred.

The rescue efforts were initiated following a report received by a maritime search and rescue center in Hainan Province. Military aircraft have been dispatched to conduct continuous aerial searches over the incident area, alongside two China Coast Guard vessels that were ordered to proceed to the scene for rescue operations.