GUIYANG - Rescuers on Tuesday are searching for three passengers who fell into Qingshui River after their boat capsized in Tianzhu County, South China's Guizhou province, on Monday afternoon.

The small fishing boat was overloaded with 12 people when it capsized. Seven managed to survive by themselves. Another two were rescued but later died in hospital after emergent medical treatment failed.

Local authorities said a local villager Liu Maopan was driving the boat. The man lacked the experience of sailing.

An investigation into the accident is under way.