REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PCG Races Against Time In Search And Rescue After Vessel Capsizes Off Occidental Mindoro
Photo credit: Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog
In a tense and urgent operation, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) sprang into action late Tuesday afternoon after a sand carrier vessel, Motor Vessel Hong Hai 16, capsized off the coast of Barangay Malawaan in Rizal, Occidental Mindoro.
The incident happened around 5:20 PM on April 15, and shortly after, the PCG’s San Jose Sub-Station got a call from Bantay Dagat Rizal, alerting them to the maritime emergency.
Without wasting any time, multiple PCG units—including the Special Operations Unit and Marine Environmental Protection teams—were dispatched to the site. The team even called in reinforcements from Sablayan to boost their search and rescue efforts.
The vessel, which was reportedly owned by Keen Peak Corporation, was carrying 25 crew members: 13 Filipinos and 12 Chinese nationals. So far, 14 of them have been rescued—six Filipinos and eight Chinese. Sadly, one Chinese crew member was found lifeless, and 10 others (seven Filipinos and three Chinese) remain missing as of this writing.
To make matters even more complicated, the PCG is also preparing for the possibility of an oil spill. They’ve already coordinated with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to have containment booms on standby, just in case.
Early assessments show that the vessel is still upright but partially submerged, raising concerns that some crew members might be trapped inside—possibly in the engine room. The Coast Guard’s Southern Tagalog Special Operations Group is now preparing for underwater search efforts, including diving operations and even cutting work if necessary.
The PCG says it’s all hands on deck as they continue to focus on saving lives and minimizing any potential environmental damage. They remain at the scene, hoping to find the remaining crew members and prevent any further tragedy from unfolding.
The incident happened around 5:20 PM on April 15, and shortly after, the PCG’s San Jose Sub-Station got a call from Bantay Dagat Rizal, alerting them to the maritime emergency.
Without wasting any time, multiple PCG units—including the Special Operations Unit and Marine Environmental Protection teams—were dispatched to the site. The team even called in reinforcements from Sablayan to boost their search and rescue efforts.
The vessel, which was reportedly owned by Keen Peak Corporation, was carrying 25 crew members: 13 Filipinos and 12 Chinese nationals. So far, 14 of them have been rescued—six Filipinos and eight Chinese. Sadly, one Chinese crew member was found lifeless, and 10 others (seven Filipinos and three Chinese) remain missing as of this writing.
To make matters even more complicated, the PCG is also preparing for the possibility of an oil spill. They’ve already coordinated with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to have containment booms on standby, just in case.
Early assessments show that the vessel is still upright but partially submerged, raising concerns that some crew members might be trapped inside—possibly in the engine room. The Coast Guard’s Southern Tagalog Special Operations Group is now preparing for underwater search efforts, including diving operations and even cutting work if necessary.
The PCG says it’s all hands on deck as they continue to focus on saving lives and minimizing any potential environmental damage. They remain at the scene, hoping to find the remaining crew members and prevent any further tragedy from unfolding.
Apr 16, 2025
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