Hong Kong, Nov 22 - A South Korea-flagged commercial ship with 21 people on board has capsized near Hong Kong, officials said. Five people have been rescued.

The nearly 1,700-metre-long vessel was loaded with steel when it capsized Monday, Xinhua reported citing officials from the Hong Kong marine department.

The ship named "Bright Ruby" was on its way from Malaysia to mainland China when it capsized around 625 km south of Hong Kong. The marine department received a message for help around 3.20 p. m. and notified nearby ships for rescue, the officials said.

The ship had the carrying capacity of over 26,500 tonnes. (IANS)