THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday said it has shifted its thrust in recovery operations for four crew members of a dredger vessel that capsized off Occidental Mindoro last Tuesday.
“From search and rescue operation, we’re now into search and recovery,” PCG deputy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Michael John Encina told a radio interview.
Encina said PCG divers continue to conduct diving operations to recover the missing crew members of the ill-fated MV Hong Hai 16 that capsized some 100 meters off Barangay Malawaan in Rizal town.
Nine crew members of the vessel died, Encina said. Fourteen others were rescued shortly after the incident.
“Based on the reports submitted by our ICS (Incident Command System) in Occidental Mindoro, they are now doing search and recovery operations,” said Encina.
“Our focus now is search and recovery (of the crew members) and (responding) to the possibility of an oil spill,” said Encina.
The PCG said the vessel was carrying an estimated 2,000 liters of lube oil and 30,000 liters of automotive diesel oil.
Encina said the PCG’s Marine Casualty Investigation Team (MCIT) is continuing with its investigation to determine what caused the vessel to capsize.
Encinas said one of the angles they are looking into is the “instability” or balance issue.
“That is one of the angles being looked into by our MCIT. Upon the conclusion of the investigation, we will provide you (media) the detailed, precise narrative of why this incident transpired,” said Encina.
