PCG searches for 4 missing Filipino crew members of cargo vessel

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continued its search and rescue operation Saturday for four Filipino crew members reported missing from the Singaporean-flagged cargo vessel M/V Devon Bay.

The PCG’s 97-meter vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) led the surface search in the distressed area, while a PCG Islander aircraft conducted aerial reconnaissance, taking off at 7:20 a.m. to augment the operation.

“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 Magbanua’s radio operator said in a video shared by the PCG Saturday.

The cargo vessel, carrying iron ore, departed Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte, bound for Guangdong, China, before it began listing late Thursday. Its last known position was about 262 kilometers west of Sabangan Point, Ango Bay, Pangasinan, at around 8:30 p.m.

READ: China Coast Guard rescues cargo ship’s 17 Pinoy crew

The distress signal was relayed to the PCG by the vessel’s operator, K Line Roro Bulk Ship Management Co. Ltd., prompting the deployment of BRP Teresa Magbanua, BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408), and two aircraft to search for the missing crew.

The China Coast Guard (CCG) rescued 17 of the 21 crew members near Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. The Chinese embassy in Manila said 14 were in stable condition, two were confirmed dead, and one was receiving emergency medical treatment.

The four unaccounted-for crew members remain the focus of coordinated search efforts by the PCG, which is working with regional maritime authorities to locate them. /das