Two dead bodies have been recovered from the sunken Ukrainian-registered tug off Lantau Island. Director of Marine Roger Tupper said the search operation will continue until the remaining 16 missing seafarers are located.

The first body was found in an ancillary engine room at 12.59am today and the second was located in a changing room at 2.20am. The bodies were taken to Kwai Chung Public Mortuary for identification.

Mr Tupper said rescuers found access into the vessel yesterday and will continue checking other areas but there have been no signs of life so far. He said the operation will continue provided diver safety is not threatened by the difficult conditions.

Hong Kong Island, Islands & Marine Commander Chief Fire Officer Chow Wing-tak said a lot of debris is floating inside the tug and trapped a diver forcing him to stay submerged beyond the time limit. He has recovered after undergoing decompression.

Mr Chow said the debris will be cleared to make the operation safe and smooth. Thirty-two searches have been made so far and five of the 32 tug compartments have been checked. The search is expected to take another 10 days at least.

The Ukrainian ambassador and the ship owner have been kept informed of the situation and an investigation has been launched into the incident.