Chinese seamen saved in dramatic rescue operation

At least three people have been rescued after Japan, Taiwan and China scrambled to save the lives of 20 Chinese crewmen.

The sailors went missing after a Panama registered cargo ship sunk off the island of Iriomote in southern Japan.

Three seamen were rescued and one found dead off the island, according the Japan's Coast Guard.

Another crew member was found but it is not clear if he was alive. The survivors were taken by helicopter for medical treatment at hospitals on the island of Ishigaki.

It is unclear what happened to the ship but Japanese media report that crew members told the Coast Guard that the ship has just suddenly taken water and sunk.

China and Japan have clashed recently over disputed isles in the East China Sea not too far from area where the cargo ship sunk.