One of 10 missing crew of capsized Chinese ship found dead
MANILA, Philippines — One of the 10 missing crew members aboard a Chinese vessel that capsized off Occidental Mindoro this Tuesday was found lifeless, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Earlier, PCG reported that Motor Vessel Hong Hai 16, a sand carrier vessel, capsized in the waters of Barangay Malaawan around 5:20 p.m. on Tuesday under moderate sea conditions. The ship contains 25 crew members—13 Filipinos and 12 Chinese.
PCG said its BRP Malabrigo (MRRV 4402), a 44-meter multi-role response vessel, arrived at the site to assist with the ongoing operations.
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Moreover, surface search efforts in the vicinity were conducted by Coast Guard Sub-Station Sablayan personnel, while the Special Operations Group held an underwater inspection and search operation.
“The vessel was found grounded on the seabed. During the underwater inspection, Special Operations Unit Southern Tagalog divers conducted a thorough survey of the amidships section of the vessel. Search efforts were immediately intensified to verify the possible presence of a survivor,” the agency said in a statement on Wednesday.
“At approximately 2:30 p.m., Coast Guard divers located and recovered the lifeless body of a 22-year-old Filipino crew member from the bridge area of the vessel. Currently, nine crew members remain missing, comprising three Chinese nationals and six Filipinos,” it added.
PCG said the body was turned over to authorities. The agency opted to withhold the identity of the deceased crew member because they have yet to inform the family.
