On Saturday, authorities rescued three of 30 crew members as strong winds and rain battered the coast and waters about 300 km southwest of the city, Hong Kong Government Flying Service said.

The site of the incident was surrounded by about 100 wind turbines that, compounded with gusts reaching up to 140 km per hour, had hampered rescue efforts.

The search area had been widened but the chance of finding survivors was "very slim", West Wu, controller of the Government Flying Service of Hong Kong, said on Sunday.

Hong Kong sent nine aircraft to jointly conduct search and rescue operations with forces from the mainland.

Typhoon Chaba skirted Hong Kong, bringing heavy rain and winds on Friday and Saturday, restricting public transport and forcing many businesses to close.