SEOUL - A South Korean fishing boat sank in the East China Sea on Friday, leaving three sailors dead and five missing, the Yonhap News Agency reported citing the authorities.

The 29-ton boat caught fire at 3:40 am before sinking in waters around 248 kilometers off the Chinese city of Fuzhou at 7: 23 am The fishing boat reportedly departed from the Seogwipo port in South Korea's southern island of Jeju on January 2.

One person was rescued, but three were confirmed dead and five missing. The boat carried 9 sailors, including two Chinese nationals.

The South Korean coast guard sent a helicopter and three vessels to search for the five missing people, while asking Chinese and Japanese authorities as well as other fishing boats sailing nearby to help with rescue.

The authorities said rough sea and communication hindrance were hampering rescue operation.