Maritime authorities say at least three people are dead and eight missing after a South Korean fuel tanker exploded.

The South Korean coast guard says the explosion of the 4,191-ton ship occurred Sunday morning in the Yellow Sea off the western port city of Incheon.

The crew consisted of 11 Koreans and five Burmese. Two of those confirmed dead are from Burma. Five Koreans and three Burmese are missing, but five other crew members were rescued.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion, but the coast guard said it was unlikely that it was caused by North Korean action.

Seoul accused Pyongyang of torpedoing one of its warships with the loss of 46 lives in March of 2010. The North denied involvement.