Manila, Jan. 23 -- Two of the 21 Filipino crew members aboard a Singaporean-flagged cargo vessel that capsized near Scarborough Shoal have been confirmed dead, while search and rescue operations continue for those still missing.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Friday afternoon said responding Chinese maritime authorities were able to pull out of the waters a total of 17 seafarers, 14 of whom are in stable condition while one is under medical emergency treatment.

"Rescue efforts are currently underway in full swing, and China' maritime authorities are organizing additional rescue teams to rush to the accident site," it said.

The vessel was en route from the Philippines to Guangdong, China when it overturned about 55 nautical miles off ...