MOSCOW, June 12 (Xinhua) -- At least nine people died on Monday night after a catamaran collided with a cargo barge on Volga River in Russia, local news reported on Tuesday.

According to the latest information, five people were rescued, nine people were confirmed dead in the collision, RIA Novosti news agency quoted local emergency service as saying.

A total of 16 people were on board the catamaran. All people on the catamaran are Russian citizens, said the local emergency service.

Rescue operation is underway. Investigators are also working at the scene, it reported.