DHAKA: A boat carrying at least 10 people thought to be illegal immigrants has sunk off the coast of Macau and the rescue operation hampered by strong currents.

Macau’s marine department said that four people had managed to swim to safety but the rest were missing, reports the NDTV.

There were at least 10 people on board and the boat was ‘suspected to be linked with illegal immigration’, a statement from Macau's government information service said.

The boat sank off the luxury Grand Coloane Resort at 0550 am (2150 GMT Thursday). “Customs has already found the boat and dragged it to shore,” the statement said.

The four who had swum to safety were two men and two women who were then arrested.

Some local media reports said there were 19 people on the boat, including three crew members.

BDST: 1915 HRS, FEB 27, 2014