9 Filipinos still missing in SKorean sinking ship off Oman

SEOUL (AFP) - A South Korean cargo ship sank Thursday off Oman and 12 crew members are missing, the maritime ministry in Seoul said.

The 26,000-ton Orchid Sun with 23 crew members -- eight South Koreans, 13 Filipinos and two Chileans -- sank on its way to Iran from China, the ministry said.

It said 11 crewmen had been rescued by nearby ships and rescue helicopters sent by Oman. Those saved include two Koreans, four Filipinos and one Chilean.

"Twelve other crewmen are still missing," ministry spokesman Suh Jae-Yon told AFP, adding that a US navy ship was taking part in the rescue, which also involved Oman and Pakistan.

He said the ship, which was carrying 42,000 tons of iron products, sank after its hold began rapidly taking in water. "The crew evacuated the ship shortly after sending out an SOS at 8:00 am (2300 GMT Wednesday)."