GUANGZHOU -- Two bodies have been retrieved and three people remain missing in the shipwreck off the coast of southern China's Guangdong Province.

Two cargo ships, loaded with about 5,000 tonnes of steel and sand respectively, collided at dawn Monday, causing one to sink, according to provincial maritime authorities.

Twelve people were aboard during the collision, and seven were rescued.

Forty-seven divers have been sent to search for the missing sailors at the mouth of the Pearl River.

Sea traffic in the area is still blocked.

One of the seven rescued sailors has been discharged from hospital, while one is under intensive care.