China turns over rescued Filipino seafarers

National

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has taken custody of 15 Filipino survivors and the bodies of two crew members from the cargo vessel MV Devon Bay, which capsized off Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.

The handover was conducted with the China Coast Guard (CCG) around 311 kilometers west of Tambobong, Pangasinan.

“The rescued Filipino crew members were transferred using the rigid-hull inflatable boats of both vessels due to big waves prevailing in the area,” the PCG said.

The two deceased crew members will be properly handled in coordination with authorities and their families.

PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab expressed gratitude to the CCG for its humanitarian assistance in ensuring the safety of the Filipino crew.

The 17 crew members are currently aboard BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701), which is scheduled to arrive at Pier 13, Port Area, Manila, early Monday morning.

The PCG is still searching for four missing crew members, using BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408) and the PCG Islander aircraft, a report by Inquirer.net said.

The Singapore-flagged MV Devon Bay, carrying iron ore, left Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte, bound for Guangdong, China, with 21 Filipino crew members on board. Its last known position was about 262 km west of Sabangan Point, Pangasinan, at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22.

According to the PCG, a CCG vessel in the vicinity conducted the initial rescue after receiving a radio call for assistance. The Chinese ship, located about 65 km from the distressed vessel, responded promptly and helped secure the crew. (Adriane Josef E. Cabase, USJ-R Comm Intern)