Zhang Jie, deputy chief of the Hainan Maritime Safety Administration, talks to media about the missing fishermen in Haikou, South China's Hainan province, on Sept 30, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - President Xi Jinping has demanded an all-out rescue effort after Typhoon Wutip sank fishing boats near the Xisha Islands on Sunday night, leaving 74 people missing.

In a special instruction given after the incident, Xi urged local authorities to do their utmost to find the missing or stranded and minimize casualties.

Xi also ordered the armed forces and central government departments to help in the rescue.

Premier Li Keqiang made similar call in a separate instruction. He also asked local authorities to ensure the safety of rescue personnel.