Coast Guard responds to upturned Chinese vessel in Occidental Mindoro

The Coast Guard sub-station in San Jose received a call from Bantay Dagat Rizal reporting the maritime incident. The PCG responded immediately, sending personnel from its Special Operations Unit and the Marine Environmental Protection Enforcement Response Group.

In anticipation of a possible environmental hazard, the Coast Guard coordinated with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for the potential deployment of oil spill containment booms.

“Initial reports indicate the vessel was carrying an estimated 2,000 liters of lube oil and 30,000 liters of automotive diesel oil,” the PCG reported.

At the same time, the PCG in Sablayan immediately deployed an additional response team to augment the ongoing operations.

The vessel was initially reported to be operated by Keen Peak Corporation, with a total crew of 25 members (13 Filipinos and 12 Chinese), capsized under moderate sea conditions.

A total of 14 crew members survived—six Filipinos and eight Chinese—while one Chinese has been recovered lifeless. Ten individuals remain missing, consisting of seven Filipinos and three Chinese.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing, including underwater assessments and preparation for diving operations and cutting work by the Coast Guard Special Operations Group Southern Tagalog.

“BRP Malabrigo (MRRV 4402), a 44-meter multi-role response vessel, has arrived at the site to assist ongoing operations,” the PCG said.

Per initial visual assessment, the vessel remains upright but partially submerged, with possible trapped personnel in the engine room.

The PCG remains on-scene and fully committed to ensuring the safety of all individuals involved, while also preparing for any potential environmental impact. — Vince Lopez