HAIKOU - The death toll from shipwrecks in stormy seas off south China's island province of Hainan has climbed to three, while five people remain missing.

Two more deaths were confirmed on Monday night after six fishing boats capsized at 2 a.m. on Monday west of the island, said a spokesman with Hainan's Yangpu marine rescue center.

More than 50 vessels and a helicopter are searching at the site. Nine of 17 people who fell into the water were pulled out alive.

The rescuers have expanded the scope of their search, but poor visibility has impeded their progress.