PCG: Capsized ship Philippine-flagged, not Chinese

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday clarified that the sand carrier vessel that capsized off Rizal, Occidental Mindoro on Tuesday afternoon was not Chinese but a Philippine-flagged ship.

“Just to clarify things up, this vessel is not a Chinese vessel, this is a Filipino-flagged vessel,” PCG deputy spokesperson Commander Michael John Encina told GTV’s Balitanghali in an interview.

“Nakarehistro po ito sa ating bansa. Meron po itong Filipino crew at meron din pong Chinese crew on board during the conduct of their dredging operation,” he added.

(It is registered in our country. It has Filipino crew and also Chinese crew on board during the conduct of their dredging operation.)

According to the PCG, the ship identified as Hong Hai 16 was operated by Keen Peak Corporation, with a total crew of 25 members including 13 Filipinos and 12 Chinese.

One Filipino and one Chinese died in the incident. Fourteen crew members were able to survive including six Filipinos and eight Chinese.

Meanwhile, nine people — six Filipinos and three Chinese — are still missing.

At 5:20 a.m. on Tuesday, the PCG said Hong Hai 16 capsized in the waters off Barangay Malawaan under moderate sea conditions.

After Coast Guard Sub-Station San Jose received a call from Bantay Dagat Rizal about the incident, response teams were deployed to the area.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office was also tapped for the possible deployment of oil spill containment booms, according to the PCG. –NB, GMA Integrated News