JINAN, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Eight people went missing after a merchant ship collided with a fishing boat off the coast of east China's Shandong Province on Sunday morning, according to local maritime authorities.

The accident occurred around 5 a.m. near Weihai City, causing the fishing boat to sink. Records indicated nine people were on board, and rescuers were able to save one person, who is in stable condition.

Vessels and helicopters have been deployed to search for the remaining eight, and rescue efforts are currently underway.  ■