MOL confirmed its 6,724-dwt MOL Motivator(built 2011) had been involved with a vessel it named as Zhong Xing 2 in theearly hours of Monday south-east of Hong Kong island.

The territory’s marine department said the smallercargoship sunk near the Po Toi Islands and one crewman was rescued.

MOL added damage to its vessel was “veryminor”.

An investigation has begun.