Four crew members who were trapped inside a capsized cargo ship off the coast of US state Georgia were found and brought to safety during a rescue operation Monday, the US Coast Guard informs.

Rescue personnel heard banging sounds from inside the ship and later drilled a hole into the hull to get supplies to the trapped crew.

The sounds were noticed more than one day after the ship capsized.

Three of the sailors were rescued Monday afternoon, while the fourth crew member was brought out three hours later.

All four are doing well, despite the circumstances, and have been taken to a hospital for further care.

"This is the best day of my 16-year career," writes Lieutenant Lloyd Heflin, who led the rescue action, in a text message to news agency AP.

The vessel Golden Ray capsized Sunday morning.

20 crew members were rescued shortly after the 200 meter freighter tipped over off Georgia's coast.

The ship was loaded with 4,000 cars and started listing after sailing out of the Port of Brunswick.

Rescue crew used a helicopter during the action and landed it on the side of the laid-over ship.

The team's efforts became complicated due to a language barrier between themselves and the South Korean ship crew. 

English Edit: Daniel Frank Christensen

20 seafarers rescued from burning car carrier – four persons missing