The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has launched a full-scale search and rescue operation following the capsizing of a Chinese-flagged sand carrier, MV Hong Hai 16, off the coast of Rizal, Occidental Mindoro on Tuesday, 15 April, leaving nine crew members — six Filipinos and three Chinese — still missing.

The vessel, which was carrying a load of marine sand, turned over at 5:20 p.m. under moderate sea conditions near Barangay Malawaan. It had a crew of 25, including 13 Filipinos and 12 Chinese nationals.

On Wednesday, the PCG recovered the body of a second crew member, a Filipino who was found a day after the body of a Chinese crew member was retrieved.

So far, 14 crew members — six Filipinos and eight Chinese — have been rescued. Nine remain missing: six Filipinos and three Chinese.

Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog commander, said the ship remains upright but partially submerged, with possible personnel trapped in the engine room.

Underwater search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with oil spill booms deployed as a precaution. “Although it’s not highly hazardous, we’ve installed booms to contain any diesel leaks,” Tuvilla said.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered responders to prioritize the search and recovery, urging them to “assume the missing are still alive” and act swiftly.

The ship, operated by Keen Peak Corporation, was reportedly carrying sand when it sank. An investigation is underway, and the owner has been instructed to coordinate salvage efforts.

Initial response and community mobilization

The PCG received the distress call from Bantay Dagat Rizal, a local coastal watch group, and immediately dispatched patrol boats and emergency responders to the scene. Volunteer fisherfolk also joined the effort, combing nearby waters for signs of the missing.

To secure the surrounding waters, authorities cordoned off the area and issued alerts to local communities, advising them to report any debris, personal items, or bodies that may surface.

The PCG said the MV Hong Hai 16 is owned by Keen Peak Corporation. It was en route from a dredging site, though its exact destination remains under investigation. Initial reports suggest a sudden imbalance or mechanical failure may have caused the vessel to list and eventually overturn.

Environmental risk on standby

Aside from the rescue efforts, authorities are monitoring the vessel for any oil leaks or chemical discharge that could harm the marine ecosystem. The PCG said it is prepared to deploy oil spill containment booms should the need arise.

“We are closely watching for any environmental impact this incident may cause. We’re coordinating with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to prevent a secondary disaster,” said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan in a statement.

Inquiry and safety review

The Coast Guard said it will launch a formal inquiry once the rescue phase is completed. The investigation will examine the vessel’s seaworthiness, cargo stability, crew preparedness, and compliance with maritime safety standards.

“This incident raises serious concerns about the safety protocols on commercial cargo vessels operating in Philippine waters, especially those involving mixed nationality crews and foreign owners,” said a Coast Guard source, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The identity of the deceased Chinese crew member is being withheld until next of kin are informed. Meanwhile, the families of the missing await updates, as PCG officials vowed to continue search and rescue operations “without pause or delay.”