GUANGZHOU - Six fishermen have been rescued while five remain missing after their boat sank in high waves off the south China coast near Guangdong Province Saturday morning, reported rescuers.

A rescue worker helps secure a fisherman by a helicopter in waters off the Wanshan island on Jan 15, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

The South China Sea Rescue Bureau of the Ministry of Transport received a report at 6:23 am that a fishing boat with 11 people aboard sank near Wanshan island. The bureau sent a rescue boat and a helicopter to the scene, according to the bureau spokesman.

Six fishermen on a life raft were picked up by the helicopter at 1:15 pm, said the spokesman.

Further, one body was spotted by the crew on the rescue boat, but they failed to retrieve it due to gusting winds and strong waves. It is unknown whether the body was one of the missing fishermen, said the spokesman.

Rescue continues.