A South Korean maritime policeman searches for a Chinese fishing boat in west waters off South Korea, on Nov. 22, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

A Chinese fishing boat sank in west waters off South Korea on Tuesday afternoon, with all eight crew members rescued, according to Yonhap news agency.

The maritime police was quoted by Yonhap news agency as saying that Chinese maritime authorities informed the South Korean coast guard of the sinking of one fishing vessel among two boats fishing near the South Korean waters.

The 81-ton Chinese vessel was sailing in waters about 167 km southwest of an island off Gusan city in North Jeolla province, but it sank at about 2:20 p.m. local time (0520 GMT).

The Gusan coast guard dispatched a 3,000-ton patrol ship to the site right after receiving the notification. The last Chinese sailor was rescued five hours after seven others were rescued.

The sinking is believed to have been caused by bad weather conditions. High seas watch is issued near the site, with waves over 4 meters high and wind blowing at a speed of 18-20 meters per second.