JINAN, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-two people are missing after a cargo ship registered in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) capsized in the sea near east China's Shandong Province Sunday afternoon.

The accident occurred around 4 p.m. in the Yellow Sea area between Yantai and Weihai of Shandong, four nautical miles from the shore, said an official with the provincial maritime bureau.

The official said strong winds were sweeping the area when the accident happened and witnesses reported to the government immediately.

Local fishermen and police officers were organized for rescue, the official said.

Three of the 25 crew members have been saved.

Rescue work is going on.