FUZHOU - At least one person was killed when two cargo ships collided and sank in the Minjiang River estuary in East China's Fujian province early on Wednesday morning, local authorities have said.

Eight people had been rescued and one confirmed dead by 10 am, according to the Fujian provincial maritime rescue center.

All of the five crew members aboard the "Fuhang 89" ship were rescued. Three sailors aboard "Yongdesheng 168" were saved and one died, it said.

Rescuers are verifying the exact number of crew aboard "Yongdesheng 168".

Rescue ships and helicopters are still working at the site.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.