Search and rescue operations around a stricken oil tanker off the Chinese coast were hampered by an explosion on Wednesday, the Chinese Transportation Ministry reported.
The Panama-registered vessel, named Sanchi, collided with a Hong Kong freighter on Saturday night, approximately 300 kilometres east of Shanghai.
There were 32 crew members on board, believed to be 30 Iranians and two Bangladeshis.
As of Wednesday, rescuers had found only one body. The remaining crew members are still missing.
All 21 crew members of the freighter, who are Chinese nationals, have been rescued, according to the ministry.
The tanker has been on fire since the collision. Experts warned earlier in the week that an explosion could be imminent.
The rescue operation includes eight Chinese ships, a South Korean ship and helicopter, and a P-8A aircraft belonging to the U.S. Navy.
Attempts to find the remaining crew members have been suspended following the blast, which reportedly happened while the rescuers were using foam to try to control the fire.
The Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration has drawn a 10-nautical-mile perimeter around Sanchi, where navigation is to be avoided.
The rescue efforts have also been hampered by bad weather and toxic gas emanating from the site. (dpa/NAN)
