HO CHI MINH CITY, March 29 (Xinhua) -- A local cargo ship sank off the coast of Vung Tau city in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province on Tuesday, leaving nine crewmen missing, according to provincial authorities Wednesday.

The 3,000-ton ship, named Hai Thanh 26, sank after collision with another cargo ship some 44 nautical miles east of the city; two crewmen were rescued.

By Wednesday morning, rescuers were still searching for nine other crewmen who could have drifted away on breeches-buoys.

Hai Thanh 26 met with the accident when carrying 11 crewmen and clinker from northern Hai Phong city to southern Can Tho city.