19 crew members missing after ship sinks off Mindoro

A passenger vessel sank between Puerto Galera and Maricaban Island in Mindoro on Monday morning amid the onslaught of Typhoon Nina, the shipping company announced.

In a statement, Starlite Ferries Inc. reported that M/V Starlite Atlantic sank between 10:20 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. after it was buffeted by gale-force winds and huge waves.

"No passengers and cargo were on board during the time of the accident since it was sheltered in preparation for Typhoon Nina," the company said.

"As of this time, 15 crew members have been rescued while 19 are still missing," it added.

Search and Rescue operations is conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard in the vicinity of Maricaban island. However, the efforts are hampered by rough seas.

"We are coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard, MARINA, Philippine Red Cross, the LGUs of Maricaban and Puerto Galera in Mindoro as well as Matoco and Ilijan in Batangas for possible rescue of other survivors," the company stated.

"We are also in close contact with the families of the crew members to apprise them of the rescue operations," Starlite management said, adding that it "deeply regrets this untoward incident and will be giving updates as soon as they become available." — BAP, GMA News