At least two dead and 14 missing after two ships collided

At least two people have died and 14 others are missing after a passenger ship collided with an oil waste recovery vessel in central China's Hunan province, state news agency Xinhua reported.

The accident occurred at around 10:00 local time on Tuesday on the Yuanshui River as it passes through Qinglang Township, Yuanling County, when both vessels collided, causing the passenger boat to capsize and subsequently sink.

As a result, all 19 people on board fell into the water.

So far, rescue teams have recovered the bodies of two deceased and managed to save three people, who were hospitalized and are in a stable condition. Another 14 passengers are still missing.

Rescue operations are continuing with the participation of more than 60 rescuers and at least 10 boats deployed in the area.

China's Ministry of Emergency Management and Ministry of Transport have sent specialized sonar teams and divers to step up the search.

Authorities have opened an investigation to clarify the causes of the accident , although no details have been released yet about the circumstances of the collision.