VLADIVOSTOK - A Chinese cargo ship ran aground early Sunday near Russia's Nevelsky district in Sakhalin in the Pacific region in a severe storm, the Chinese Consulate General in Vladivostok said.

All 20 crew members onboard were safe, and no fuel leakage has been reported, it said.

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The vessel, carrying 50 tonnes of diesel fuel and 700 tonnes of heavy oil, was battered by waves of eight to 10 meters high. Divers have been unable to assess potential damage to the hull due to adverse weather conditions. The shipping company is coordinating with Russian authorities to arrange a rescue operation, the consulate added.

Further rescue efforts will be launched once weather conditions improve, Sakhalin Oblast Governor Valery Limarenko said on social media.

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The region has been put on alert after the incident, said local authorities.