A fishing boat caught fire in waters of China’s Hainan Island on Monday, trapping and killing one of the six fishermen on board.
Explosions were heard on the scene. The other five were rescued, according to state news agency Xinhua.
Photos showed the wooden vessel engulfed in flames and black smoke.
The accident happened in water off Wenchang city at around 6am Monday. By the time marine police arrived, the boat had been damaged badly and explosions could be heard, Xinhua said. Rescuers used a high-pressure water gun to battle the blaze.
Five fishermen who fell into the sea were rescued. One person was trapped inside the vessel. His body was later retrieved.
The boat sunk into the sea in the afternoon, Xinhua said. Illegal fishing is suspected as the vessel was not registered with the government. Investigators are looking into the cause of the fire.
