Mubasher: Chinese authorities said Monday that the large Iranian oil tanker collided with a cargo ship in the East China Sea on Saturday was at risk of explosion and sinking.

Areas surrounding the tanker were still burning, while the toxic gas from the burning oil hindered rescue work, the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration said in a statement posted online.

The body of one of the 32 missing crew members, comprising 30 Iranians and two Bangladeshis, was found on aboard, Reuters reported on Monday.

The tanker was carrying around 136,000 tonnes or 1 million barrels of highly flammable condensate, according to the Chinese authorities.

“The fire poses a serious environmental risk for the region. The ship was carrying condensate, an ultralight version of crude oil that converts from a gas to a liquid during extraction,” the Guardian said.

About ten vessels and a slew of fishing ships helped in rescuing and clean-up efforts, the Chinese ministry reported.

By 10:50 am GMT, crude oil (Nymex) rose 0.50% reaching $61.75 per barrel (pb), while Brent crude jumped 0.24% to $67.78 per barrel.