FUZHOU - Thirteen people are missing after a cargo boat sank off Taiwan on Monday, the maritime bureau of southeast China's Fujian Province confirmed.

The cargo boat "Zhenhe 168" sank on sea off Tiawan's Xiquan Island around 5 a.m. Monday, but the owner of the boat did not inform the police until 12 hours later, according to local maritime authorities.

Two rescue vessels, two patrol vessels and one helicopter were sent to search for the boat. Wreckage was found on Monday evening but there is no sign of the 13 crew after two days.

Search work continues, and maritime authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.