The file photo shows the Greek cargo ship involved in the collision accident. A Chinese fishing boat sank after colliding with a Greek cargo ship in the East China Sea early Thursday. Six crew members have been rescued by Japanese coast guard ship. Searching work for the eight missing is still underway. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Six crew members of a sunken Chinese fishing boat saved by Japan have been handed over to China, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed late Thursday night.

China is continuing searching for others still missing, spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a statement.

A Chinese fishing boat sank after colliding with a Greek cargo ship in the East China Sea Thursday morning, said the Foreign Ministry quoting an announcement by the China Coast Guard and China Maritime Search and Rescue Center.

The crash occurred in waters about 70 kilometers northwest of China's Diaoyu Islands, according to reports. Both China and Japan sent out government ships for rescue work.

"China appreciates Japan's cooperation and humanitarian spirit displayed in the rescue operation," she said.