Five Chinese fishermen have been rescued from their boat that capsized in the waters off South Korea's southwestern coast Wednesday, while five others remain trapped, the coast guard said.

Four fishermen were picked up by another nearby Chinese fishing boat about 85 kilometers northwest of Gageo Island.

The coast guard said it rescued a fifth fisherman, though he is unconscious. Five others remain trapped inside the capsized boat.

The accident occurred around 10:35 a.m. when the doomed boat started suddenly tilting before capsizing while it was being towed by the second Chinese fishing boat. The boat had previously experienced a malfunction. (Yonhap)