A Chinese vessel rescued 29 people from waters off Papua New Guinea's east coast after a ferry sank Thursday with more than 300 people onboard, the China Maritime Search and Rescue Center said Thursday.

The vessel "Zhonghe," belonging to the China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company, spotted the sinking ferry at 12:08 a.m. while sailing from Australia to China's Ningbo Port, said the center, which is administered under the Ministry of Transport.

After receiving a report from the Chinese ship, ministry officials immediately ordered it to help rescue the ferry's passengers.

Rescue efforts are under way and the center is maintaining communication with Papua New Guinea's rescue organizations.