Another body recovered from capsized MV Hong Hai 16

The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed on Saturday the recovery of another body from the capsized MV Hong Hai 16, as underwater search efforts continued in the waters off Rizal, Occidental Mindoro.

According to the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog, the body was retrieved at approximately 3:56 p.m. from the vessel's accommodation area during ongoing joint diving operations.

The recovery was made possible through the efforts of the Special Operations Group-Southern Tagalog and technical wreck divers from the Special Operations Force, who were deployed from Manila to reinforce the search and rescue mission.

"The identification of the deceased is still being verified," the Coast Guard said in a statement. "We are withholding the name until the next of kin have been notified."

The Hong Hai 16 capsized earlier this week, and five crew members were initially reported missing. With today's recovery, four individuals remain unaccounted.

PCG teams continue their intensive underwater operations amid challenging conditions, including low visibility and structural hazards within the sunken vessel.

Despite the risks, rescue teams remain determined.

“We will not stop until we have done everything possible to locate the remaining crew,” said Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, commander of the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog. “Our divers are working tirelessly under extremely difficult conditions.”

The PCG assured the public and families of the missing that all available resources are being utilized. “We are doing this not just as a mission, but out of duty to the families and loved ones still waiting for answers,” added Tuvilla. — DVM, GMA Integrated News