One person is dead and seven are missing following a boating accident in Central China's Hunan province local authorities said on Monday.

Rescuers search for survivors?after a boating accident in Anhua county, Hunan province on Dec 10, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]?

The accident happened at 3 am on Sunday when a ship on its way to Pingkou township capsized in waters in Pingshan village in Anhua county, causing four cargo vehicles and 11 people on board to fall into the water.

Three people were rescued.

Li Guoxiang, director of the publicity department in Anhua county, said the owner of the ship Xia Xinan, and the driver, Liu Zunqun, have been detained by local police.

Local government has removed six local officials from their posts following the accident and two people responsible for ship management are under investigation.

The local government has set up a rescue work team. Rescue work is still under way.