BEIJING: An Iranian-registered cargo ship with 36 crew members aboard ran aground in the mouth of China's Yangtze River on Sunday and was at risk of capsizing, state media reported.

A helicopter dispatched by China's transport ministry had rescued 13 crew members aboard the ship about three hours after the incident early Sunday morning, Xinhua news agency said.

A second helicopter and a rescue ship were later dispatched to the scene in hopes of rescuing the other crew members.

The distressed vessel was identified as the Zoorik, but there were no other details on the crew and cargo.

A Chinese maritime official said the vessel was at risk of capsizing due to strong winds and heavy seas, Xinhua said.


- AFP/so