Hong Kong - Ten sailors had to be rescued from a sinking Chinese cargo ship in rough seas close to Hong Kong, rescue officials said Thursday.

The crew sent out a distress call Thursday morning after their ship began taking on water about 120 kilometres south-west of Hong Kong.

The Government Flying Services (GFS) sent out two aircraft which picked up the men from the sinking ship and carried them safely back to shore.

GFS Captain Trevor Marshall said the weather was quite rough with winds at about 40 knots at the time of the rescue.

"The boat was listing badly to one side over about 45 degree angle. It had taken on a lot of water from a big hole in one side but it was fairly stable," he said. (dpa)