The vessel that collided with a Chinese fishing boat, causing it to capsize near the Yangtze River estuary in Shanghai early Monday morning, has been identified as a Thai ship, according to local maritime authorities.

One person died in the accident and eight others are still missing.

The Thai ship, which had fled he scene after the accident, was found. The M.V. Sea Utility is 120 meters long and 19 meters wide. It was sailing toward Philippines when the accident happened, the maritime bureau of eastern China's Zhejiang Province said. No further details were given.

All 11 people on board the Chinese fishing boat from Zhejiang fell into the water after the boat capsized and sank at about 3:40 a.m., the provincial maritime bureau said.

Three people were rescued at about 4:10 a.m, but one died from serious injuries. The search for the missing fishermen is ongoing.

At least 30 rescue vessels and a helicopter have joined the rescue operation.

Maritime authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.

(Xinhua News Agency May 11, 2009)