Eight seafarers rescued as cargo ship sinks off Taiwan

A general cargo ship has sunk in the Taiwan Strait, but all eight crew members were rescued.

Taiwanese broadcaster PTS said an unnamed Mongolia-flag vessel began to take on water through a hole in the bottom of the hull on Monday 16 Jan.

The ship sent out a distress call when it was 90 nautical miles west of Kaohsiung, later capsizing to the port side.

The seafarers, all wearing lifejackets, reportedly fell into the sea, but Taiwan Coast Guard helicopters came to the rescue, winching the men to safety.

The vessel then sank quickly, PTS added.

One of the crew members was taken to hospital suffering from hypothermia.

Video footage shows seafarers gathered at the stern of the vessel as it lists.

One is then seen being lifted into a chopper from what appears to be a couple of lifeboats.

An investigation has begun into the accident.