At least seven people were killed and nine remain missing in a ship collision that took place on Monday in central China's Hunan Province, local police sources said.

The accident happened at about 3:10 PM. A passenger boat carrying 30 people collided with a cargo ship in Huanghuazhou Village port in Shaoyang City.

All the passengers were thrown overboard when the boat capsized. 21 were rescued, 15 of whom were hospitalized.

The exact number of those missing is being confirmed.

Soldiers, police forces and local officials have arrived at the scene. Rescue operations and investigations are underway.

(Xinhua News Agency July 26, 2005)