PCG continues search for missing Filipino crew members of M/V Devon Bay

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) resumed its search for the four missing Filipino crew members of M/V Devon Bay on Saturday.

PCG said that it has also deployed an Islander aircraft to conduct an aerial search at around 7:20 a.m.

The BRP Teresa Magbanua also conducted radio communications with transiting vessels in the vicinity waters 141 nautical miles west-northwest of Tambobong, Pangasinan, as part of PCG's rescue efforts. 

“All transiting vessels in the area are requested to proceed with caution, maintain a sharp lookout, and render assistance as necessary, in accordance with international maritime regulations,” the PCG radio operator said during the communication.

2 Dead

The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Friday said that two Filipino seafarers were reported dead after their Singaporean-flagged cargo vessel capsized in waters near Scarborough Shoal.

M/V Devon Bay, which was loaded with iron ore, was en route from the Philippines to China and had 21 Filipino crew members on board at the time of the incident.

"17 people have been rescued. 14 are in stable condition, 2 have been confirmed dead, and 1 remains under emergency medical treatment,” the Chinese embassy said.

PCG, meanwhile, has yet to provide confirmation on the two fatalities reported by the Chinese government.

The cargo vessel was last located 141 nautical miles west of Sabangan Point, Ango Bay, Pangasinan around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, according to the PCG.

“The PCG received a distress report that the vessel was already listing at approximately 25 degrees,” the PCG said in a statement. —VAL, GMA Integrated News