According to Chinese authorities, a cargo ship sank in Japanese waters, killing eight individuals, many of them Chinese nationals.
Since the Jin Tian crashed on Tuesday evening, rescue personnel have been looking for survivors.
The search has encompassed numerous ships and planes from the coast guards of Japan and South Korea and military and private boats from Japan. Five people who were saved are reportedly in stable condition.
The Jin Tian, a cargo ship with a crew of 22, sent out a distress call from a location around 110 kilometers (68 miles) west of the isolated and uninhabited Danjo Islands in far-southwest Japan, close to the maritime border with South Korea.
Chinese nationals made up six of the deceased, according to Lu Guijun, China’s general consul in Fukuoka, Japan.
Mr. Lu told the Chinese state television CGTN, “We extend our deepest condolences to the unfortunate victims.”
Although Mr. Lu’s death toll has not yet been confirmed by Japanese officials, they have stated that nine persons are still missing. As of yet, no explanation for the ship’s sinking has been provided.
The Hong Kong-flagged ship departed Port Klang in Malaysia last month, according to MarineTraffic. On Wednesday, it was supposed to touch down in Incheon, South Korea.
