PCG races to find crew after ship capsizes off Occidental Mindoro
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has assisted in rescuing five fishermen following an alleged allision between their boat, FBCA RUEL J, and a bulk carrier vessel, MV TAI HANG 8, in the vicinity waters near Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, at around 4PM on 05 December 2023.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has ramped up its search and rescue operations after a cargo vessel capsized off the coast of Barangay Malaawaan in Rizal town, Occidental Mindoro, with 25 crew members on board.
The vessel, identified as MV Hong Hai 16, was carrying 13 Filipino and 12 Chinese crew members when it reportedly overturned in rough seas. The PCG immediately launched a maritime response following the incident.
According to a report from the PCG Substation in San Jose, 14 crew members have been rescued — six of them Filipinos and eight Chinese nationals. However, the Coast Guard also confirmed that one Chinese crew member died.
As of the latest update, 10 individuals remain missing, consisting of seven Filipinos and three Chinese nationals.
The PCG said additional personnel and resources have already been deployed to intensify the ongoing search, including divers for underwater search and retrieval operations.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the incident, but the PCG is expected to conduct a full investigation once the search and rescue phase is complete.