At least 25 people have died after a cargo ship caught fire at a Chinese port, state media reported Thursday.

The fire started while the ship was docked for repairs in Qingdao. The city is a major shipping hub on China’s northeastern coast.

The vessel was at Beihai Shipbuilding Co. when the fire began. The company operates at the port and carries out shipbuilding and repair work.

Xinhua News Agency identified the vessel as the Ocean Melody. The ship sails under a Liberian flag, according to VesselFinder.

A total of 42 people were on the vessel when the fire started. However, 12 people escaped safely, Xinhua reported.

Five people suffered injuries and went to the hospital. Their condition remained stable.

The fire began at about 11 a.m. local time on Thursday. Fire crews put it out by 2:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, videos shared online showed workers trying to fight the flames aboard the ship.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for an urgent rescue effort. He ordered officials to search for people who remained missing after the fire.

Premier Li Qiang also called for trapped people to be rescued.

Xi also urged authorities to strengthen safety measures. He called for steps to prevent major accidents in the future.

The fire took place at a facility operated by Beihai Shipbuilding. The company forms part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation.

China State Shipbuilding Corporation is a state-controlled company. It is also the world’s largest shipbuilder.

Beihai Shipbuilding focuses on shipbuilding and ship repair, according to information from the company.

The incident has raised concerns about safety at the busy port facility. However, the information provided did not give a cause for the fire.

Authorities also have not released further details about the people who died or those who may still be missing.

The incident comes as Chinese officials call for urgent rescue and safety action.

For now, officials are focused on the rescue effort and the response to the deadly fire.

The full circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. Further details may emerge as authorities continue their work.

The tragedy has left at least 25 people dead and several others injured. Meanwhile, officials continue efforts to account for everyone who was on board.