TACLOBAN CITY – An international cargo ship sailing under the Panamanian flag sent a distress signal while at sea near the vicinity of Suluan Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) station in Eastern Samar issued a notice on Friday afternoon alerting mariners and vessels navigating near Suluan Island to assist the distressed vessel XING GUANG 11.

The distress signal indicated that the vessel was located about 54 nautical miles east-northeast of Alegria Beach in Sta. Monica, Surigao del Norte.

Based on marine traffic data, the bulk carrier was en route to Morowali Regency in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, a major hub for global nickel processing and mining.

In its notice to mariners, the PCG urged all ships and watercraft transiting the area to remain on the lookout for the distressed vessel. Vessels that sight XING GUANG 11 were advised to extend necessary assistance and report immediately to the nearest Coast Guard unit.