GUANGZHOU, China — A Chinese bulk carrier sank on Saturday after colliding with a Singapore-flagged container ship near the Pearl River Estuary, leaving two seafarers unaccounted for, according to maritime authorities.

The bulker, identified as Hai Li 5, was carrying 15 crew members when it came into contact with the container vessel Wan Hai A17. The impact caused the bulker to rapidly take on water and sink shortly after the incident. Thirteen crew members were rescued, while search and rescue teams are still working to locate the remaining two.

Initial reports suggest the bulk carrier may have experienced a mechanical or power failure before the collision. The crew of the container ship is reported to be safe, with no injuries among its 23 personnel. Following the accident, Wan Hai A17 deployed rescue equipment and notified maritime authorities.

The Guangzhou Maritime Safety Administration has suspended vessel movements in the immediate area and launched a coordinated air and sea search operation. Salvage teams and patrol vessels remain on site as investigations continue into the circumstances that led to the incident.

There have been no immediate reports of pollution or cargo spillage, but authorities are monitoring the area closely due to the risk of environmental impact and navigational hazards in one of China’s busiest shipping corridors.

The cause of the collision is now under joint investigation by local maritime officials and relevant flag-state authorities.