JINAN - All 16 Filipino crewmen of a freighter that had got into danger in the sea near Dalian city, in northeast China's Liaoning province, were plucked to safety early on Sunday morning, rescuers have said.

At 2:25 am on Sunday, the Liaoning maritime rescue center reported a Panama-registered freighter in trouble in waters about five sea miles off Dalian, according to the Beihai Rescue Bureau of the Ministry of Communications.

The freighter "KING ACE" had lost control in strong winds due to a fault with its main engine, said the bureau.

A relief ship with rescue crew was quickly sent to drag the freighter to the Dalian Port and rescue its 16-strong crew.