One dead after oil tanker catches fire in Hong Kong

At least one person is dead and two missing after an oil tanker caught fire south of one of Hong Kong's main islands.

Twenty-three people have been rescued after those on the vessel either fell or jumped into the sea, according to a police spokesperson, while two people are missing. A number of the victims suffered burns, and the government said two injured men were taken to the hospital.

A government spokesman said there were three fire boats deployed to tackle the blaze. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fire appeared to be largely extinguished, but the ship was lighting severely.

Significant damage, including a large hole framed by metal twisted outward from the deck, could be seen on one side of the ship, appearing to confirm reports of an explosion prior to the fire.

The liquid could be seen pouring from the damaged area, but it was unclear whether this was fuel or simply water running off from the firefighting. There was no sign of significant oil build up on the water near the vessel.

Two crew members had been rushed to hospitals in central Hong Kong, the government spokesman said, one with a leg injury the other with burns.

In a picture posted by the Hong Kong Police, the tanker was seen listing sharply with large plumes of black smoke coming from its middle and flames still burning on the deck.

Ship tracking data shows it last loaded 6,000 tonnes of gasoline, most of which was delivered to Guangzhou between Jan 6 and 7.

Residents of Lamma and nearby Lantau Island reported hearing a loud bang and hearing their windows and other furniture shake.

"My windows shook really badly but (there) was no wind," Lamma resident Deb Lindsay said. "I thought there had been an earthquake!"

Lindsay said there were three bangs, an initial "really big one" followed by two smaller apparent explosions minutes later.