Two dead, 26 missing as two ships sink off China

Two sailors were confirmed dead and 24 were missing after two ships sank in separate accidents off the coast of China's Shandong province, authorities said on Monday.

Two sailors were confirmed dead and 24 were missing after two ships sank in separate accidents off the coast of China's Shandong province, authorities said on Monday.

According to the Shandong Maritime Safety Administration, a cargo ship 'XINGLONGZHOU65', registered in east China's Zhejiang province, sank off Yantai city around 9 p.m. Sunday, leaving 12 sailors missing, reports Xinhua.

Two bodies have been found, the administration said.

In the other accident, a cargo ship 'ZIHAISHUN', registered in north China's Tianjin, sank off Weihai city around 2.30 am on Monday, leaving 14 sailors missing.

Rescuers are searching the areas to find the missing people, the administration said.

Strong winds and waves were to blame for both the accidents, it said.