MANILA, Philippines -- A cargo vessel has sunk off Romblon but all its 13 crew members managed to swim safely to a nearby island, the Philippine Coast Guard said Monday.

The MV Margilen II sank at around 4 p.m. on Sunday in the vicinity of Cresta de Gallo Island in San Fernando, Romblon due to strong waves spawned by typhoon Nina (international codename: Hagupit), the PCG said.

It said making matters worse was the vessel’s defective water pump used for removing excess water that enter the ship's hull, the PCG said.

There was no cargo on board the vessel when it left Cebu at 11 a.m. on Saturday, the coast guard said.

Eight of the 13 crew members have been rescued and were taken to the Coast Guard station in Romblon. The remaining five will follow as strong winds and heavy rains delayed rescue operations, the PCG said.

Search and retrieval operations for the sunken vessel are ongoing, the Coast Guard said.

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