OSAKA - A Chinese fishing boat hit rocks and was grounded near Japan's Shimane Prefecture, with 2 people missing and 23 rescued, according to the Consulate-General of China in Osaka on Thursday.

The Japan Coast Guard received report at around 4:30 am local time on Thursday that a 255-ton Chinese fishing boat (JINHAI 805) was grounded near Shimane Prefecture.

Twenty three out of a total of 25 crew members aboard the ship have been rescued while two are still missing. Four of the rescued have been sent to hospital for treatment of hypothermia.

The fishing boat sailed to waters near Oki islands of Shimane Prefecture to take refuge from storms in its planned fishing area, according to local media.

The Consulate-General of China in Osaka has sent diplomats to the scene to deal with the incident.