HONG KONG: An engineering vessel with 30 people on board went missing 200 miles off Hong Kong after it snapped in two during tropical storm Chaba, and some 27 crew members have gone missing.

The Hong Kong Government Flying Service said rescue operations were continuing some 200 miles southwest of the city. They also reported that three crew members have been rescued.

Some of the crew had abandoned the vessel, though harsh weather conditions were hampering rescue efforts, they added.

Tropical storm Chaba brought heavy rain and winds to Hong Kong, restricting public transport and forcing many businesses to close.

As Chaba was set to make landfall near Zhanjiang in China's Guangdong province, Hong Kong's weather forecaster lowered the storm warning.