ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Seven Chinese fishermen were rescued from their fishing vessel which caught fire and sank off southern Philippines on Wednesday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

PCG said fishing boat F/B King & Queen spotted the unidentified Chinese fishing vessel burning at about 18 nautical miles southeast off Mouligi Island in Mapun town, Tawi Tawi province at 3 am Wednesday. Crew members of F/B King & Queen managed to rescue all seven Chinese fishermen before the boat sank.

Coast Guard Lt. Senior Grade Jomark Angue told reporters that none of the Chinese fishermen could speak English, making it difficult for authorities to ask them about the cause of the accident.

The seven Chinese fishermen are all in good physical condition and have been brought to Puerto Princesa city in the western Philippine province of Palawan.